Autism (1)

Andrew Boff: What progress has the Metropolitan Police made in providing employees and police officers with autism training?

The Mayor: Autism awareness is part of the Certificate of Knowledge in Policing (CKP), which every new officer must complete.
Autism awareness also features within the six days of Safeguarding and Vulnerability training that is a key part of the initial recruit foundation course for both Police Constables and Special Constables.
There are an additional seven days of interactive continuation training during an officer’s probation period and this too contains elements on vulnerability and autism.
Finally, there is a mandatory ‘eLearning’ package on mental health which all officers must complete.
The Vulnerability Assessment Framework (VAF) guides officers’ approach to assessing vulnerability and highlights the importance of early intervention. An objective assessment under VAF assists officers to identify the salient points of any incident and assists them to assess underlying vulnerabilities which require a safeguarding response.

999 response times

Caroline Pidgeon: Please provide the average Metropolitan Police response times for 999 calls categorised as (i) I grade, (ii) S grade (iii) E grade and (iv) R grade since November 2018. Please provide a breakdown per month, and per borough.

The Mayor: Please see the attached spreadsheet for response times for I, S and E graded calls that originated form a call to 999.
This information has been provided by the MPS at a force wide and borough level between November 2018 and April 2019 inclusive. My Deputy Mayor for Policing and Crime oversee the MPS performance on this matter at monthly meetings and Quarterly Oversight Boards.

Healthy Schools and Young Carers

Jennette Arnold: How does your Healthy Schools London programme support young carers?

The Mayor: To achieve a Healthy Schools London Award, schools must provide details about the systems, arrangements and support that they have in place to identify and meet the needs of vulnerable children and young people. This includes young carers and other groups. Schools must ensure that all children and young people, and their parents/carers can confidentially access advice, support and services within and beyond school. My Healthy Schools London programme also provides opportunities for children and young people to build confidence and self-esteem; develop responsibility, independence and resilience and learn how to assess risk and stay safe. This can be through curriculum areas including PSHE, PE and ICT as well as whole-school action giving pupils roles and responsibilities.

Use of drones instead of police helicopters

Caroline Pidgeon: Will you ensure that a review is undertaken as to whether the use of police helicopters for surveillance purposes could be replaced by greater use of drones, so saving money and fuel and reducing noise disturbance?

The Mayor: The MPS has already invested resources in developing the use of drone technology in its pre-planned operations. The MPS is committed to expanding their use where the opportunities to replace conventional air support exist.
The MPS have had success using drones to explore buildings and open spaces and will look to use them in other areas, such as policing large-scale events, in the future. As drones stillcan’tmove at the speed of a helicopter, or cover equivalent distances without an operator, their use - as they are currently available - will still be somewhat limited. There remain Civil Aviation Authority implications for the use of drones over large built up areas but the MPS are confident that drone use will become much greater as it moves forward.

Loans to developers

Caroline Pidgeon: Please provide a list of every loan approved by the GLA for developers in London since May 2016 including the fund the loan comes from, the site, the name of the developer, the amount of the loan and whether the site at time of the loan had planning permission to be developed.

The Mayor: Please see the table below:
Source of Funding
Project
Counterparty
Total Committed (£)
Planning Status at Time of Investment Yes (Y) / No (N)
Affordable Housing Programme
Barking Riverside (Junior Debt)
Barking Riverside
£48,000,000
Y
Affordable Housing Programme
Real Lettings
Real Lettings Property Fund
£15,000,000
N/A (fund for street property acquisitions).
Affordable Housing Programme
Mayor’s Housing Covenant - Pocket Living
Pocket Living (Tranch B)
£51,400,000
N
Affordable Housing Programme
Mayor’s Housing Covenant - Pocket Living
Pocket Living (Tranch A)
£4,900,000
N/A (commercial loan of working capital to cover overheads associated with housing delivery)
Care & Support
Care & Support
Citystyle Living
£2,773,535
Y
Housing Zones
Blackwall Reach
Swan New Homes
£50,000,000
Y
Housing Zones
Hale Village
Anthology Development 4 Ltd
£43,159,294
Y
Housing Zones
Wembley Parade
Anthology Wembley Parade Ltd
£34,500,000
Y
Housing Zones
Cumberland Rd_Harrow
Harrow South LLP Loan 1
£25,501,000
Y
Housing Zones
Cumberland Rd_Harrow
Origin Housing Ass Loan 2
£17,000,000
Y
Housing Zones
Northolt Road_Harrow
Harrow South LLP Loan 1
£15,250,000
Y
Housing Zones
Hale Village (Land)
Anthology Development 4 Ltd
£12,000,000
Y
Housing Zones
Northolt Road_Harrow
Origin Housing Ass Loan 2
£10,086,956
Y
Housing Zones
Beam Park
Countryside Property
£5,000,000
N
Housing Zones
Hale Wharf - Tottenham N17
Waterside Places limited P'ship
£38,183,235
Y
Innovation Fund
Apex Airspace (pan-London)
Apex Airspace Ltd
£10,000,000
N
Land Fund
Holloway Prison
Peabody
£41,636,000
N
Land Fund
Marshgate Lane
Anthology (Marshgate)
£27,905,000
Y
Land Fund
Woodlands and Master’s House
Anthology (Woodlands)
£21,854,000
N
Land Fund
Swan Strategic Partnership Sites
Swan New Homes
£50,000,000
N
London Housing Bank
City & Docklands
City & Docklands
£27,000,000
Y
London Housing Bank
Network Homes
Network Homes Ltd
£21,037,590
Y
£572,186,610

Homes for Londoners Land Fund

Caroline Pidgeon: Please provide a list of every loan approved by the GLA from the Homes for Londoners Fund since May 2016 including the site, the name of the developer, the loan and whether the site at time of the loan had planning permission to be developed.

The Mayor: Please see the table below:
Source of Funding
Project
Counterparty
Total Committed (£)
Planning Status at Time of Investment Yes (Y) / No (N)
Land Fund
Holloway Prison
Peabody
£41,636,000
N
Land Fund
Marshgate Lane
Anthology
£27,905,000
Y
Land Fund
Woodlands and Master’s House
Anthology
£21,854,000
N
Land Fund
Swan Strategic Partnership Sites
Swan New Homes
£50,000,000
N

Safeguarding Wharves

Caroline Pidgeon: Following your consultation on safeguarding wharves that closed on Friday 17th August 2018 how much longer do you to intend to consider the responses that were submitted and when do you intend to publish your recommendations for safeguarding wharves to the Secretary of State?

The Mayor: My officers have considered the submissions received on the Safeguarded Wharves Review and are preparing to begin targeted consultation shortly. Some minor clarifications to wharf boundaries may be required in response to the submissions received, so this further consultation is required before I submit my recommendations to the Secretary of State later this year.
The Examination in Public of my draft London Plan has also taken place over the past year, with the draft Plan including strengthened policies protecting safeguarded wharves from inappropriate development. The London Plan is essential in ensuring safeguarded wharves continue to be available for sustainable water-borne freight handling use.

London Overground operating on Boxing Day

Caroline Pidgeon: Following TfL’s press release of 18th March 2016 announcing Arriva as the new operator for London Overground which stated that new services will be introduced on some routes on Boxing Day, please provide an update as to whether a London Overground Boxing Day service will finally be launched on Thursday 26th December 2019?

The Mayor: Transport for London (TfL) is planning to run Boxing Day services on the London Overground this year. Services will be subject to planned engineering work and TfL is currently finalising the details with Network Rail and Arriva Rail London.

Data Protection (1)

Tony Devenish: Are you content that TfL has complied with data protection and privacy legislation and best practice before tracking passengers via smart-phone wi-fi signals?

The Mayor: To ensure Transport for London’s (TfL’s) approach to the collection of Wi-Fi connection data is compliant with data protection and privacy legislation they completed, and published, two data protection impact assessments (DPIAs). The first was completed for the 2016 pilot, and the second before collection begins at all stations in July.
TfL has also engaged with privacy groups and the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO). The ICO confirmed they have no outstanding concerns. Elizabeth Denham (Information Commissioner) spoke of the trial at the GLA Oversight Committee in September 2017 – “The TfL Wi-Fi trial was a really good example of a public body coming forward with a plan, a new initiative, consulting us deeply and doing a proper privacy impact assessment”
TfL is only collecting Wi-Fi connection data to understand how customers as a whole use the network. All data collected is depersonalised immediately and will not be linked to any other personal data. They are also not collecting any additional data generated by a device.
Extensive information is being made available to customers about the data collection, including information on how to opt-out.

Data Protection (2)

Tony Devenish: Are you comfortable that simply placing signage telling passengers they can opt out of having their data collected by turning off their wi-fi is reasonable, proportionate and sufficient?

The Mayor: This issue has been fully addressed in the data protection impact assessments (DPIAs) completed for this project and extensive information is being made available to customers about the data collection, including information on how to opt-out.
In addition to permanent signage, there is an extensive publicity campaign which started in May to ensure that passengers are made aware. This includes PA announcements at stations; a dedicated webpage hosted on TfL’s privacy pages; a social media announcement and an article within the Metro newspaper. Frontline Transport for London employees have been briefed on the collection of Wi-Fi data and can direct passengers to more information using the dedicated webpage.

Command unit replacement

Andrew Dismore: The slot price for the new command units has gone up, according to LFB’s Medium Term Financial Plan. What is the reason for this?

The Mayor: London Fire Brigade (LFB) is currently preparing a revised and improved specification as part of a project to procure replacement command units. This work has resulted in an increase to the estimated slot price in the Medium Term Financial Plan and the cost is still subject to further change as work continues on the specification. Key changes that have led to the forecast increase in the estimated cost include a move to address environmental impacts through new technology that is estimated to represent a higher cost than diesel options and moving from a lorry chassis to a bus chassis, which will provide a better platform for operational capabilities, but which comes with comparably higher maintenance and repair costs. The full Information Technology and Incident Command Operating System has yet to be fully defined but is expected to be provided through a managed support service with the cost included in the vehicle slot price.

HS2 works blocking pavements and roads

Andrew Dismore: Will you raise with HS2 and those carrying out work on their behalf the excessive amount of road and pavement space fenced off that they are imposing on the local community? By way of examples, at Gloucester Gate the entire roadway is needlessly blocked off by red barriers extending far beyond the actual worksite – quite unnecessarily because even on rare occasions when plant needs to move in and out, there is plenty of space for it. As a result, cyclists are forced off the roadway onto the pavement over a lengthy stretch, and ignore the signs asking them to dismount endangering pedestrians. HS2 personnel stationed there make no effort to enforce. If the red barriers were moved six feet into the roadway cyclists could stay off the pavement and there would be no effect on HS2 operations.At the top of Park Village East work there has stopped and the road surface is restored, but the entire roadway is still blocked off and again cyclists are forced onto the pavement. Even if vehicles are still kept away, there is plenty of road space not needed by HS2 but which cyclists could use.

The Mayor: I have asked Transport for London (TfL) to raise this with HS2.
TfL is continuing to work with HS2 and the London Borough of Camden (LBC) to ensure that the impact of HS2 works on all road users and communities is minimised. The works in question are on roads for which LBC is the Highway Authority. I am pleased to report that these works are now substantially complete and the road has re-opened. I have asked TfL to encourage HS2 and their contractors to learn lessons from the issues raised at this location.
TfL will continue to challenge HS2 and their contractors to undertake works using the minimum amount of road space, though TfL and LBC’s powers are limited by the HS2 Act. HS2 and its contractors undertaking the works are ultimately responsible for site safety and compliance with relevant safety legislation, which may dictate the amount of space required.

Detective Constable Vacancies

Unmesh Desai: What is the current level of detective constable vacancies in the MPS and what progress has been made in addressing this?

The Mayor: As of May 2019, there were 4,651 Detective Constables in the Metropolitan Police Service (MPS), with 232 vacancies against the current establishment model.
However, the MPS are re-designing the Specialist Crime Command. This is likely to result in changes to both detective and uniformed posts. As such, the MPS will need to re-profile it’s establishment model as the re-design is completed.
The MPS operates a Detective Resilience Group (DRG) to ensure vacancies are filled as quickly as possible. The vacancy rate has significantly improved over the last 12 months and is now less than 5 per cent.

HZ Programme

Tom Copley: Is the HZ Programme on course to meet its targets, given that only 1,883 ‘direct’ homes, over which the Mayor has control, had been started at 2018-19 Q2? [16,000 are targeted for delivery by 2022].

The Mayor: The Housing Zones programme is on course to meet its target of delivering up to 16,000 housing starts by March 2022. However, this is not without risk, given the impact of Brexit uncertainty, which has resulted in a softening of the housing market.

Recruitment of Specials

Unmesh Desai: I welcome that the Metropolitan Police Service is looking to increase its numbers of Specials from 1,900 to 5,000. However, the number of Specials fell by 16% in 2018/19 financial year (https://www.london.gov.uk/moderngov/documents/g6642/Public%20reports%20pack%20Tuesday%2014-May-2019%2010.00%20Police%20and%20Crime%20Committee.pdf?T=10, page 33). What is the reason for this fall and how can it be reversed?

The Mayor: The Metropolitan Police Service (MPS) has prioritised the recruitment and training of regular Police Constables (PCs). This is vital if they are to successfully grow numbers to 31,000 by the end of the year.
Special Constables do have a valuable role in supporting policing across the capital and the MPS is looking at new ways to attract and support those who are willing to give up their time and volunteer.
The MPS launched a new recruitment campaign in April called ‘my other job’ and is aiming to recruit around 500 new special constables in 2019/20.
The MPS has also appointed a dedicated lead for its Employer Supported Policing (ESP) scheme, which aims to encourage businesses to provide their staff with paid leave to train as special constables.

Autism (5)

Andrew Boff: What provision has been made in the London Plan to make London a more autism friendly city?

The Mayor: The London Plan contains policy requirements for the highest standards of accessible and inclusive design to be met, with these requirements applying to buildings, areas of public realm, and the places and spaces between buildings. This policy specifically highlights the importance of creating a welcoming environment that everyone can use confidently, independently and with choice and dignity. An inclusive design approach takes into account the requirements of people with a range of disabilities and impairments.
Policy D3 Inclusive design signposts the British Standard guidance BS8300:2018 Design of an accessible and inclusive environment, which provides the latest national design guidance on this subject. This guidance explains that ’efforts have been made to include reference to people’s neurological requirements in this revision and extension of BS 8300; however, further work is required in this area.’ In recognition of this. Policy D3 therefore states that ‘The Mayor will assist boroughs and other agencies in implementing an inclusive design approach by…continuing to contribute to the development of national technical standards’.
When new national design guidance on this matter is produced, developments will need to follow the guidance to meet the requirements of Policy D3.

Autism (6)

Andrew Boff: What is Transport for London doing to make its stations more autism friendly?

The Mayor: Transport for London (TfL) conducted a detailed audit of Euston station in 2018, which was carried out by a specialist design company, Motionspot. This audit was used to produce a report into how station environments can be made more accessible for customers with neuro-diverse conditions. In addition, TfL is planning an industry roundtable in coming months to commence work to explore the possibility of devising a new ‘Design for the Mind’ standard to make London’s Transport Network more accessible to those with neuro-diverse conditions, including autism.

Autism (9)

Andrew Boff: Has Transport for London tested the usability of its journey planner with autistic Londoners?

The Mayor: Transport for London regularly conducts accessibility reviews of its website and other digital channels, including its journey planner tool, in order to ensure these meet accessibility standards, including for customers with autism.

Autism (7)

Andrew Boff: How many Transport for London employees have completed autism training (in any form) and what percentage does that equate to in terms of the total number of employees?

The Mayor: Transport for London (TfL) is currently running a comprehensive, face-to-face Disability Equality Training course for its frontline and Professional Services staff. The course helps staff to better understand the needs and barriers faced by customers with disabilities of all kinds. The one day course is split between classroom training and a guided tour on the transport network. All of the trainers and guides who lead the training are disabled. This includes guides with mobility and sensory impairments, alongside neuro-diverse conditions including autism.
The training is non-compulsory and 923 staff (415 frontline staff, 508 Professional Services staff) have been trained to-date since October 2018, equating to <1 per cent of TfL’s 26,000 employees. Training sessions will continue across 2019 and beyond.
TfL has also developed ‘Inclusive Design’ training in partnership with the Design Council, targeted at all TfL engineers, designers, planners, surveyors, facilities managers, architects, programme and project managers and anyone involved in creating or managing spaces and places. This provides a permanent online training programme (available to all TfL staff) and a series of interactive training seminars for 500 TfL staff in April and July 2019.
These seminars are part of TfL’s vision to deliver an inclusive transport network that provides seamless end-to-end journeys for everyone. They include experts in the field presenting their work, recommendations on best practice and conversation about the issues impacting inclusive design at TfL.

Autism (8)

Andrew Boff: How many Transport for London employees have completed face-to-face autism training and what percentage does that equate to in terms of the total number of employees?

The Mayor: Please see my answer to Mayor's Question No2019/12284.

Barking fire

Andrew Boff: To what extent was the quick spread of the fire at Barking Riverside on 9th June due to the wooden balconies?

The Mayor: Officers are working with key stakeholders including the police to undertake a detailed investigation into the origin, cause and development of the fire. At this stage it is believed that the fire started on a balcony and spread externally to other balconies largely due to the timber elements in the floor of the balconies and the balcony enclosures.

Barking fire

Andrew Boff: At the fire at Barking Riverside on 9th June the fire brigade appeared to have problems accessing a water hydrant. Was this the case?

The Mayor: London Fire Brigade (LFB) initially experienced problems locating an appropriately marked fire hydrant. However, crews had a tank supply on the fire engines to work from and quickly got other resources there and so water supply was not a significant issue during the incident. This does, however, point to a wider problem for the UK fire and rescue service regarding the effective provision and management of water and hydrants, including timely and accurate information. There is a lack of statutory obligations upon stakeholders such as water companies, developers, local authorities and private landlords in this regard. For new developments, fire authorities do not have statutory consultee status for water and hydrants for fire fighting purposes. LFB has raised these issues in the review of building regulations currently being led by the Government.

LU and LO Job Specifications

Tony Devenish: Please provide the Assembly with detailed job specifications for all the jobs done by station staff across the London Underground and London Overground. Please also include the total numbers of staff employed in each role.

The Mayor: The below tables provide a breakdown of the different roles within London Underground (Stations). Information for London Overground would need to be requested from the operator Arriva Rail London. Please also find the job specifications attached.
London Underground (Stations)
Role Name
Count of Employees
Area Manager - Stations
1
Area Manager
77
Customer Service Assistant 1
2,641
Customer Service Assistant 2
453
Customer Service Manager 1
263
Customer Service Manager 2
522
Customer Service Supervisor 1
565
Customer Service Supervisor 2
819
Customer Service Manager 3
74
Grand Total
5,415

The Mayor: In addition to my original answer, please find attached thejob specifications for all the jobs done by station staff across London Underground and London Overground.

ULEZ

Florence Eshalomi: A local charity in my constituency wishes to utilise the ULEZ scrappage scheme for the fleet of minivans. As a charity they were exempt from the congestion charge and so do not have proof of congestion charge payments. As such, they have been unable to apply under option 1 of the scrappage scheme despite being located and driving within the congestion charge on a daily basis. Option 2 requires that they immediately purchase a new vehicle. As a charity, this is very costly and is preventing them from utilising the scheme. Are you able to make an exemption for charities in this predicament?

The Mayor: I want to encourage all drivers to take action to clean up London’s toxic air. This is why I introduced my £23 million van scrappage scheme to help micro-businesses and charities apply for funds to scrap up to three older, more polluting vans and charity minibuses and switch to cleaner vehicles.
Transport for London (TfL) recognises that some applicants may not be able to provide the exact evidence outlined in the Scrappage Scheme terms and conditions, and will work with relevant organisations to assist them with their application.
Any micro-business or charity concerned that it may not be eligible to apply for a grant to scrap its vehicles should make an enquiry via the Scrappage Scheme pages on the TfL website.
I am aware TfL has already been in touch with you about this specific case, and I hope it can work with the charity to resolve its concerns in a timely manner.

Parliament Square Closures

Tony Devenish: How many times in days and hours has Parliament Square been shut to traffic due to protests including black cabs, eco protestors and others since May 2016? Please provide a user-friendly table with dates and an explanation of why the protest happened on each occasion.

The Mayor: Parliament Square is a natural focus for those wishing to peacefully protest. While I support the right to peaceful and lawful protest, which is a cornerstone of our democracy, disruption to traffic in this area, caused by demonstrations by various groups, does impact road users in Westminster. Transport for London (TfL) works hard to manage this disruption and to mitigate the impact on other road users.
The attached table details all recorded closures since May 2016 and is drawn from TfL’s traffic information systems. The time of the incident relates to the start and finish time of the TfL operational response.This does not necessarily coincide with the timings of the actual road closures, which may only form part of the operational management of the incident.

Upgrade to cycle superhighways

Caroline Russell: In your speech at the London Cycling and Walking conference on 24 May 2019, you said that Cycle Superhighway 7 was an example of a “first generation superhighway” that was “just not up to scratch.” How many existing Cycle Superhighways are “not up to scratch” and when will Transport for London (TfL) upgrade them?

The Mayor: In May 2019, Transport for London (TfL) published a new Quality Criteria for all Cycleways to ensure they are high-quality and appealing for everyone to use. TfL is currently assessing all routes against the Quality Criteria, and this should be complete by the autumn. While the expectation is that the majority of existing routes will meet the criteria, I know that there will be sections of some routes which will not.
While the principal focus is on delivering new, high-quality cycling infrastructure in the places where it is most needed, TfL and I are committed to taking opportunities to improve the existing cycle network. Where possible, TfL will work with boroughs to seek improvements to existing routes to address any issues identified.

Impact of Bus Consultation on Those With Mobility Issues

Jennette Arnold: Whilst the bus consultation may not affect access around London, what consideration has been made for those with mobility issues who will be expected to take two buses where they currently take one?

The Mayor: In order to rationalise bus services in central London, some journeys will require customers to change bus in order to reach their destination. The Hopper fare means that where an interchange is required, there will be no additional cost for customers who need to do this.
Equalities impacts are actively considered by Transport for London (TfL) when planning the bus network. For the changes to the central London network consulted on last autumn, a 61-page Equalities Impact Assessment looked at the impact on people with protected characteristics, including those with mobility issues. TfL also engaged closely with boroughs and community groups such as Age UK and Disability Rights UK. TfL carefully examined passenger data to understand the impact of the proposed changes, and reviewed interchange suitability, including the availability of lighting, seating, and shelter. Where possible we have tried to ensure that interchanges take place at the same or adjacent stop to where the passenger alights and have undertaken works to improve interchange facilities where required. We have also reviewed online journey planning.
Buses remain the most accessible form of public transport in London, and drivers are trained to do as much as they can to assist disabled people and ensure that customers with mobility issues retain priority when changing buses.

Mobile fingerprint scanners (2)

Sian Berry: In August 2018, the Metropolitan Police Service (MPS) announced that 600 portable fingerprint biometric devices would be rolled out to frontline officers. Under what legal authority are police conducting on-the-spot biometric identity checks using these devices?

The Mayor: Since the introduction of the mobile biometric device named INK (Identity Not Known) in 2018, police are carrying out mobile finger print searches under the powers granted to officers to conduct checks under Section 61(6A) of PACE code D, Coroners Officer Act, Immigration Act and the Mental Capacity Act.
The powers granted to officers to conduct checks is given to officers under Section 61(6A) of PACE code D, Coroners Officer Act, Immigration act and mental capacity act.

Mobile fingerprint scanners (3)

Sian Berry: In August 2018, the Metropolitan Police Service (MPS) announced that 600 portable fingerprint biometric devices would be rolled out to frontline officers. Could you provide any available data on the ethnicity of those who have been subjected to these on-the-spot identity checks since then?

The Mayor: Since the introduction of the mobile biometric device named INK (Identity Not Known) in 2018, there have been 21,694 searches of those subjected to on-the-spot identity checks. The Metropolitan Police Service (MPS) does not record the identity of those whose details have then been looked up on police databases.

Sponsored content on the Mayor's twitter account

Sian Berry: On 3 June 2019, you posted a video message on the @MayorofLondon twitter account that was filmed and sponsored by Elle magazine (https://twitter.com/MayorofLondon/status/1135548243604049920). Clearly this message concerning women's rights and President Trump’s poor record was worthwhile and important, but under what arrangement was it sponsored by a commercial organisation, and was any payment made to you or the GLA? Do you have further plans for commercially sponsored content on this public communication channel and, if so, what guidelines will you use for which are appropriate companies to work with?

The Mayor: The video you refer to was recorded by Elle Magazine as part of an interview. I regularly conduct interviews with a range of different media, as one of the many ways I communicate my plans and policies to Londoners.
The video was shared on @ElleUK and @MayorofLondon Twitter channels. It was not commercially sponsored content. No payment was made to me or the GLA for this video, nor were any costs incurred by the GLA for the production of it. I have no plans for commercially sponsored content to appear on the GLA communications channels.

Homes for life

Florence Eshalomi: What planning work is the Mayor doing to ensure homes are fit for end of life? Many elderly residents do not want to leave their homes when they age but are forced to as they are not fit for purpose when it comes to design for aging. Can the Mayor explain what he is doing to ensure new homes are designed with a person’s whole life in mind from the start?

The Mayor: The London Plan requires all new build housing in London to be built to the Building Regulations standards M4(2) accessible and adaptable dwellings or M4(3) wheelchair user dwellings.
Both these standards provide homes incorporating design features that will benefit older people; for example, the provision of step-free access, suitable toilet facilities, minimum manoeuvring spaces, and wall-mounted switches, sockets and other controls positioned at suitable and reachable locations. In addition, these standards also provide features that allow for common adaptations to be readily undertaken; for example, strengthened toilet, bathroom and shower room walls to allow the easy installation of grabrails and other adaptations often required by older people.
The accessible housing requirements in the draft London Plan provide benefits for many Londoners, including disabled people, older people and families with young children, ensuring London’s new build housing is fit for purpose now and in the future.

Tube Safety

Florence Eshalomi: The Transport for London Health, Safety and Environment report Quarter 3 2018/19 (16 September 2018 – 8 December 2018) Report says there was a “14% increase in injuries on escalators compared with the same quarter last year, accounting for 42% of all customer injuries. We have seen an increase in the number of escalator incidents reported in response to the launch of targeted customer communications and staff interventions as part of our Escalator Excellence† campaign.” Are you able to provide more detail on whether this 14% increase is solely due to increased reporting or is due to safety conditions on the tube deteriorating?

The Mayor: There is no significant decline in safety conditions on the Tube. Transport for London (TfL) continues to hold a good record for escalator safety, with the number of major injuries running at one in every ten million trips.
2018/19 saw a six per cent increase in customer injuries compared to 2017/18, with the majority attributed to accidents on escalators. There are several reasons for this:
Firstly, the amount of passengers using the Tube has risen by 27m in 2018/19 compared to the previous year. The trend for accidental injuries broadly follows the same trend as passenger journeys.
Moreover, TfL's focussed initiatives, safety campaigns and improved staff engagement have also improved both the quantity and quality of incident reporting. TfL has positioned staff to areas where most customer accidents happen, at the times that most occur. This has meant that station staff see more incidents that would have previously gone unreported which are now being reported.
While alcohol is a factor in accidents on the Underground throughout the year, TfL also observes an increase in customer accidents as the festive season approaches and an increased numbers of intoxicated customers use the network. TfL rolls out targeted campaigns to try to address this.
TfL continues to work hard to reduce customer injuries, with staff on hand to help customers. Initiatives to minimise slips, trips and falls include blue footprints on the steps, hand prints on the handrails, contrasting colours to highlight the ‘comb’ between the moving steps and the landings, wording on step risers, new electronic displays, under-step lighting and frequent public address announcements.
Additionally, TfL's safety campaigns, which run throughout the year, use advertisements across the network to remind customers of the risks of running on escalators. TfL continually monitors the effectiveness of its measures and campaigns in reducing accidents and adjusts its approach accordingly.

Clapham improvements

Florence Eshalomi: What plans do TfL have to alleviate overcrowding at Clapham Common and Clapham North Tube stations which have narrow island platforms?

The Mayor: The safety of customers and staff is always Transport for London’s (TfL’s) top priority. Its staff are trained to carefully manage passenger flows to ensure a safe travel environment. Both of the Clapham stations (North & Common) are island platforms and the only stations of their kind in a tunnel section. This brings different challenges in managing customers’ safety on a daily basis.
To manage congestion at these stations, TfL restricts entry into the ticket hall and platform areas until the crowding has subsided. Customers are made aware of the times that the stations are most busy. Customers are also encouraged to use local transport alternatives. At present, TfL does not have any plans to upgrade either station to provide additional capacity.
TfL has made improvements to address overcrowding along the Northern line. A timetable change in 2018 increased evening peak time services, easing congestion between Kennington and Morden, and through the central Charing Cross and Bank branches of the line. This change has benefited around 225,000 customers with quicker and more frequent journeys. The second phase of this upgrade will see further improvements, with 31 trains per hour on the Morden branch in the peak from 2020.

Air-taxis

Caroline Pidgeon: A number of companies have expressed the desire to develop and operate ‘air taxis’ in London. What do you think about this development and what work is TfL carrying out to be ahead of this potential development in London?

The Mayor: Transport for London (TfL) has no direct role in the regulation or management of airspace. However, it is working with the Department for Transport and the Civil Aviation Authority to better understand the implications of increasing drone use and ‘urban air mobility’ on London and to ensure our city’s voice is taken into account as national regulation develops.
TfL has worked closely with Nesta and leading London’s Flying High Task Force to look at the integration of drone and other urban air mobility technologies. As London is the UK’s most complex and dense airspace, it should not be the first place to trial or pilot disruptive, high-risk technologies. However, TfL will continue to reach out to the market adopting a safety and security-first approach, promoting alignment of any future operators with Policy 23 of the Mayor’s Transport Strategy.

Underspend on cycling in 2018-19

Caroline Russell: Transport for London (TfL) has reported in its Quarter 4 performance report for 2018-19 an annual underspend for the cycling programme of £14 million. Will you provide the underspend for the wider cycling programme including the Healthy Streets portfolio, and update the table provided in answer to my question 2019/4120 to show how this further underspend is allocated to spending in future years?

The Mayor: The figures quoted in the Quarter 4 performance report for cycling are for the wider programme, including the relevant elements of the Healthy Streets portfolio.
The allocation of any under or overspends for a financial year is completed as part of Transport for London’s (TfL’s) annual business planning process. The £14m underspend on cycling in 2018/19 compared to the budget was forecast at the time of TfL preparing its 2018 Business Plan: the outturn expenditure was £88m compared to the forecast of £87m. Therefore, this underspend was allocated to future years in the 2018 TfL Business Plan as part of the allocation shown in the answer to question 2019/4120.

Transport for London telephone contact numbers

Andrew Dismore: Further to Question No: 2019/9223
‘Do you agree that it is important that Transport for London maintain a working telephone system for complaints, for those who do not have access to email, or would prefer to speak to someone? What then is the best customer contact number, and how do you rate performance for handling calls?’
Your answer being
‘Transport for London (TfL) provides customers with a variety of ways to get in contact. If a customer prefers to speak to an advisor, TfL has a telephone line available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The telephone number is 0343 222 1234 and all calls will be charged at a local rate – which is often free on many tariffs. Alternatively, TfL’s online tools allow customers to self-serve with minimal effort. These include the TfL website, TravelBot and Social Media.
The quality of TfL’s interactions with customers is assessed internally by line managers against a quality framework. The contact centre quality is also measured independently by a mystery shopping company who assess the interaction against the industry standards. This measure is included in the TfL performance scorecard.’
What is a) the average and b) longest wait for a call to be answered on TfL’s phone line over the last 6 months; and over the same period, c) how many calls were abandoned before being answered; and d) how many staff do TfL have on duty to answer this phone line?

The Mayor: Transport for London (TfL) proactively publishes information relating to its performance on a regular basis, with its Quarterly Customer Service and Operational Performance Reports posted online.
As set out in the Quarter 4 Customer Service and Operational Performance Report, TfL’s Contact Centre received 2.7 million telephone calls and over 600,000 pieces of correspondence in 2018/19. The number of abandoned calls, volume of correspondence closed within the Service Level Agreement timeframe and the quality of both calls and correspondence (assessed both internally and externally) all exceeded the targets set.
TfL has some 270 customer service advisors, with 123 operatives dedicated to responding to telephone enquiries. Other advisors respond to written enquiries but have the skill to respond to telephone enquiries should demand require it.
TfL has no record of the shortest or longest wait time. However, the average speed of answer across the telephone service over the 6 month period from 1 December 2018 to 31 May 2019 was 2 minutes 22 seconds.

Bus crime in Sutton

Steve O'Connell: For each of the years 2016/17, 2017/18 and 2018/19, how many crimes have been committed on buses in Sutton by crime type?

The Mayor: The below table indicates the number of crimes on trams in the London Borough of Sutton, broken down by year and crime type.
Sutton
Crime Type
2016/17
2017/18
2018/19
Burglary
0
1
1
Criminal Damage
18
6
11
Drugs
4
1
0
Fraud or Forgery
0
0
0
Other Notifiable Offences
6
0
2
Robbery
9
12
16
Sexual Offences
11
7
4
Theft and Handling
47
31
42
Violence Against the Person
79
74
78
Total
174
132
154
*’Violence Against the Person’ is a grouping of a number of offences which include: Serious Wounding, Assault with Injury, Common Assault such as pushing and shoving; harassment and Other Violence. The majority of offences in this category are made up of the last three offences.

Former Clerkenwell Fire Station

Andrew Dismore: What has been the total cost of a) security and b) maintenance from when the fire station was closed until it was brought back into temporary use recently?

The Mayor: From the date the fire station was closed until it was brought back into use, the cost for providing a) security was £383,254 and b) maintenance was £146,007.

2018/19 LFB outturn

Andrew Dismore: When does LFB expect to publish its outturn figures for 2018/19?

The Mayor: The draft outturn report for 2018/19, to support the draft statement of accounts, was published on 31 May 2019. The report is available on the London Datastore through the following link: https://data.london.gov.uk/dataset/lfb-financial-and-performance-reporting-2018-19

LFB operational establishment (1)

Andrew Dismore: Is LFB still on course to reach its full operational establishment by summer 2019; and what is that establishment?

The Mayor: By July 2019, London Fire Brigade (LFB) will have only 26 vacancies against the operational establishment of 4792 full time equivalent (FTE) which represents 0.5 per cent of LFB’s establishment. This small shortfall has been as a result of unforeseen early retirements over the past two months. The remaining 26 vacancies are expected to be filled over July and August.

LFB operational establishment (2)

Andrew Dismore: Please provide a) LFB’s actual number of FTE operational staff at the start and end of 2018/19 and 2019/20 and b) the operational establishment for those periods

The Mayor: Please see the table below:
Date
Operational Establishment
Operational FTE
31 March 2018
4780.75
4570.44
31 March 2019
4791.25
4669.95
31 March 2020*
4791.25
4791.74
*based on current forecast

Staff pay increase

Andrew Dismore: LFB has budgeted a 2% increase for all staff in the Medium Term Financial Plan. What contingencies exist in the case of higher pay awards being agreed?

The Mayor: London Fire Brigade (LFB) has budgeted for 2 per cent pay increases for all staff in line with guidance provided by the Mayor’s Office. The budget includes no contingency for higher pay increases, and any pay award above 2 per cent would currently result in an increased budget pressure. Exceptions to this would be any national agreement to pay operational staff in excess of 2 per cent that was accompanied by additional funding, or any local agreement that sought to identify savings as part of an overall package that included the higher pay award.

Bus improvements in south west London

Caroline Russell: A constituent is particularly concerned about developments at North Sheen and Mortlake Brewery, where public transport accessibility needs improvement. What plans does Transport for London (TfL) have for this area?

The Mayor: As is usual for plans of this scale, Transport for London (TfL) has been involved in the planning application process. It has identified that the current bus network will have insufficient capacity for the level of development proposed.
TfL has therefore requested a substantial sum in section 106 payments from the developer to help fund service improvements. No specific scheme has been identified at this stage, as this is dependent on the catchment area of the proposed new secondary school, as well as the restoration of Hammersmith Bridge. If the development is granted permission and timescales for delivery become clearer, TfL will develop a more detailed plan.

Croydon training facility

Andrew Dismore: What is the cost of developing the Croydon training facility?

The Mayor: The cost of developing the Croydon training facility remains within the allocated budget of £15.5m.

Fifteen Pump Fire in the London Borough of Barking and Dagenham

Andrew Boff: Fire alarms were not working during the fire at Barking Riverside on 9th June. Is the Commissioner content that the current system of Fire Wardens put in place by the building’s owner is sufficient.

The Mayor: London Fire Brigade (LFB) officers have confirmed that the fire detection systems at Samuel Garside House did actuate in the affected parts of the building as they were designed to do. In addition, as part of the post incident investigations, both the alarms inside the flats and the alarms in the common parts of the premises have been tested and found to be working.The Responsible Person for the properties at both Samuel Garside and Ernest Websdale Houses have, following advice from LFB officers, enhanced the interim fire safety arrangements in these blocks, including the waking watch provision, in line with National Fire Chiefs Council guidance.

Women's Night Safety Charter

Andrew Boff: What is the total number of organisations/businesses in London that have signed up for the women’s safety charter and can you please provide me a list of them?

The Mayor: The Mayorhas createdthe Women’s Night Safety Charterto help makeLondon a city where all women feel confident and welcomeat night. The Charter includes seven pledges that organisations can sign-up to in order to help tackle violence against women and girls. To date, 77 venues and organisations have signed-up to the Women’s Night Safety Charter including the O2, Ambassadors Theatre Group, McDonald’s, UK Music, Purple Flag, Drink Aware, UK Hospitality and the London boroughs of Southwark and Lambeth. A full list has been provided below.
The following 77 organisations have signed up to the Women’s Night Safety Charter:
Apollo Victoria Theatre
Aspers Casinos
Attitude is Everything
Circa Soho
Circa the Club
Dalston Superstore
DrinkAware
Duke of York's Theatre
End Violence Against Women
Featured Artists Coalition
Fortune Theatre
Gordon's Wine Bar
Hampstead Village BID
Harold Pinter Theatre
Heaven
Imkaan
King’s College London Students Union
King’s Head Theatre
Live Nation UK
London & Partners
London Borough of Lambeth
London Borough of Southwark
Lyceum Theatre
McDonalds - Baker Street
McDonalds - Brompton Road
McDonalds - Cambridge Circus
McDonalds - Camden High Street
McDonalds - Chancery Lane
McDonalds - Commercial Road
McDonalds - Edgware Road
McDonalds - Highway, Shadwell
McDonalds - Holborn
McDonalds - King's Cross 1
McDonalds - King's Cross 2
McDonalds - Leicester Square
McDonalds - Liverpool Street
McDonalds - London Bridge
McDonalds - Oxford Street 1
McDonalds - Oxford Street 2
McDonalds - Oxford Street 3
McDonalds - Shaftesbury Avenue
McDonalds - St Martins Lane
McDonalds - St Paul's
McDonalds - Strand
McDonalds - Warren Street
McDonalds - West One Shopping Centre
McDonalds - Whitehall
Metropolis
Metropolitan Police
Ministry of Sound
Music Venue Trust
Night Time Industries Association
Northbank BID
Omeara/Flat Iron Square
Phoenix Theatre
Piccadilly Theatre
Playhouse Theatre
Portman Group
Purple Flag
Retail of Alcohol Standards Group
Savoy Theatre
Security Industry Authority
Serious
Solace Women's Aid
The Ambassadors Theatre
The Apple Tree
The Chateau
The City of Quebec
The Earl Of Chatham
The O2
The Queen Adelaide of Cambridge Heath
Transport for London
Uber
UK Hospitality
UK Music
Vauxhall One
VF Dalston

Outsourcing (1)

Leonie Cooper: How many jobs in London are currently outsourced?

The Mayor: This data is not currently collected in official statistics.
According to the TUC outsourcing is where an organisation ‘contracts out tasks, operations, jobs or processes to an external contracted third party for a specific period’. Typically, these are services which were undertaken ‘in-house’ in the past and can include both services provided by one business to another as well as services provided by a business to a government body. It’s not clear how these types of contracting arrangements could be identified in official statistics.

Outsourcing (2)

Leonie Cooper: Outsourced roles are often not collected in low-pay data. How can data be better collected to understand how widespread low pay is in outsourced roles?

The Mayor: Employees working in low-paid ‘outsourced roles’ would usually be included in available statistics on low pay. The Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings (ASHE), which is the official source of estimates for jobs paid below the national minimum wage and London Living Wage, relates to most employees on adult rates of pay, although it excludes the self-employed.
However, it’s not clear how outsourced contracting arrangements would be identified in official statistics, meaning (for example) there is no ready way to distinguish between pay levels of employees working for third parties in ‘outsourced roles’ compared to those delivering similar services ‘in-house’. If the ONS ASHE was revised in future, it may be possible to explore the possibility of adding an additional question to better capture outsourced roles in pay data.

Tooley Street

Susan Hall: If Tooley Street is pedestrianised, how you will get to city hall?

The Mayor: There are no plans to pedestrianise Tooley Street.

OPDC Board (1)

Susan Hall: Do you believe that all the members of the OPDC Board represent value for money?

The Mayor: The OPDC Board sets the strategic direction for the Corporation, which includes approving the budget and business plan, and deciding the way forward on other major strategic issues, such as the financing, investment programmes and planning policy.
The Mayor commissioned a Strategic Review of OPDC in June 2016. A recommendation was made for the Corporation to recruit to the Board experts with property and commercial knowledge to supplement the existing membership, which had experience of regeneration, business and the local community, to provide a balanced view of issues facing the Corporation.
To reflect this recommendation, OPDC recruited through open competition two new members in November 2017, and a further six members in November 2018, four of whom replaced members whose term had expired. The Board broad range of skills reflected in the Board enables it to function as an effective governance body for the Corporation.
The Board member allowance of £14,000 per annum is a fair reward for members’ contributions to the Corporation’s activities and provides good value for money.

OPDC Board (2)

Susan Hall: How do you judge whether OPDC Board members represent value for taxpayers’ money and how frequently do you appraise whether this is still the case?

The Mayor: Schedule 21 of the Localism Act 2011 determines that a Mayoral Development Corporation Board must consist of at least six members and include an elected member from every London council whose area is within any part of the Corporation’s area.
The current Board comprises the Chairman and five members with experience in the commercial and property sectors, three members representing local businesses, communities and education, the Deputy Mayor for Planning, Regeneration and Skills, and elected members from the London Boroughs of Brent, Ealing, and Hammersmith & Fulham.
The Mayor determines Board members’ remuneration, and the allowance of £14,000 per annum is considered to be a fair reflection of their contribution to the Corporation’s activities. The allowance was set at this level in 2010 and reviewed when new members were recruited in 2017 and 2018. My Deputy Mayor for Planning, Regeneration and Skills does not receive an allowance for his role on the Board, and one further Board member has elected not to receive an allowance.

Air quality

Tony Devenish: What exactly are you doing to fast track cost effective yew tree air quality measures as outlined in The Times on 17th May?

The Mayor: The Times article highlights the role that hedges, including yew, can play in reducing people’s exposure to air pollution. Well-designed urban greening, such as hedges and trees planted in the right place, can create an effective barrier to protect people from toxic air.
I have already funded a number of greening projects to protect Londoners from air pollution through my Low Emission Neighbourhoods scheme and the Community Green Spaces Grant strand of my Greener City Fund. For example, I’ve invested £400,000 to support the installation of green screens and other greening measures at 29 of London’s most polluted primary schools. My Community Green Space Grants will open again this summer, providing funding to help communities green the capital.
I have also published in April 2019 new guidance, drawing on the latest research, to help boroughs, community groups and businesses design their own greening projects to reduce public exposure to air pollution. This highlighted the need to ensure the right green infrastructure in the right place to reliably reduce exposure to air pollution and that a vegetation barrier can as much as halve the levels of pollutants just behind the barrier https://www.london.gov.uk/sites/default/files/green_infrastruture_air_pollution_may_19.pdf
While greening has an important role to play, the best way to improve air quality is to reduce emissions at source. That’s why I’ve introduced bold measures, including the ULEZ, to clean up our filthy air.

Extinction Rebellion

Peter Whittle: What lessons has the Metropolitan Police learned from its handling of the Extinction Rebellion protests last Easter?

The Mayor: The nature and scale of this protest was unique. It presented a number of challenges which have not been seen for many years.
Key areas for consideration for events of a similar nature in the future include; a look at how the Metropolitan Police Service (MPS) resource protests and how they scale up the resources as required to meet the changing needs of the protest, the impact on policing across London as a result. The MPS have also considered the criminal justice outcomes available for those protestors that cross the threshold into criminality.
The MPS has conducted debriefs following the Extinction Rebellion protests with a view to identifying any learning that can inform their approach to future protests of a similar nature.

Action against Responsible Persons

Andrew Dismore: Since 2017, has LFB taken formal action against any Responsible Persons over failures to meet required interim fire safety standards where a high-rise block is found to have fire safety problems; and if so on how many occasions?

The Mayor: London Fire Brigade (LFB) has not taken formal action against any Responsible Persons over failures to maintain interim fire safety measures where they have been put in place.LFB has instituted ad hoc checks by local fire station-based crews of those premises with interim measures to ensure they remain in place until the required remediation works are carried out. In addition, LFB has procedures in place to respond to fire safety concerns raised by residents in any premises, including those blocks with interim measures in place.

Richer Sounds meeting

Sian Berry: Could you provide details of which aspects of social housing were discussed during your meeting with Julian Richer of Richer Sounds, on 19 March as listed in the May 2019 Mayor's Report?

The Mayor: Julian Richer, a philanthropist and founder of retailer Richer Sounds, requested this meeting to discuss a report he had written about the delivery of social housing, reforms to the private rented sector, land assembly, transparency in the housing market, and precision manufactured homes. At this meeting he updated me on the document and we discussed his organisation’s support for my Good Work Standard.

London Borough of Culture

Peter Whittle: In February 2018, the London Borough of Waltham Forestwas awarded £1.35mof funding to deliver a programme of ambitious cultural activitiescelebrating the unique character of local people and places.1 Was this programme of events a success?
1https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-london-43211466

The Mayor: Waltham Forest is halfway through delivering my first ever London Borough of Culture programme and to date, it has been a huge success. There have been over 100,000 visits to cultural activity in the borough, over 77 per cent of local schools have taken part, and 900 people have signed up to their volunteering programme ‘Legends of the Forest’.
A recent poll found that 77 per centof residents are aware that Waltham Forest is London Borough of Culture, and 6 in 10 residents think being London Borough of Culture will result in positive change for the borough.
It’s certainly been an inspiring start. More than 500 children created a version of The Nutcracker with Matthew Bourne; Africa Express led a performance of 100 local and international musicians on Wanstead Flats and 1500 children made tin toys in Leyton as part of Atomic 50.
Twenty-twovulnerable young people participated in the co-creation and performance of an original piece of theatre called EastSide Story, which led to two young people returning to mainstream education from a Pupil Referral Unit and a further two joining the council’s Youth Advisory Board.

Viability Guidance

Nicky Gavron: What do you make of the Government’s changes to Planning Practice Guidance for Viability with regard to Existing Use Value and the price paid for land, and the new RICS guidance on viability assessments – will these help London Boroughs and the GLA secure greater proportions of affordable housing on private developments?

The Mayor: I welcome the Government’s changes to Planning Practice Guidance on Viability that state that benchmark land values should be determined with reference to Existing Use Value and should not be based on the price paid for land. This is consistent with the approach in my Affordable Housing and Viability Supplementary Planning Guidance, which prevents developers from overpaying for land and then arguing that they cannot provide affordable housing. I also welcome recent steps taken by the RICS to improve the standard of viability testing so that their members act impartially and are not conflicted.
These changes, together with other aspects of my guidance and the draft London Plan, will help boroughs and the GLA to secure higher levels of affordable housing through the planning system.

Southernwood Retail Park

Nicky Gavron: I note the recent approval by Southwark Council for the Southernwood Retail Park scheme (ref: GLA 4662) which is owned by Glasgow City Council as Administering Authority for the Strathclyde Pension Fund. The Stage 1 report from GLA officers on 8 April 2019 stated, “This publicly owned site should deliver 50% to follow the Fast Track Route. The scheme currently delivers 35%. The delivery of the majority of the affordable housing on Phase 2 is not supported.” On 28 May 2019, Southwark’s planning committee nevertheless granted planning permission to the scheme, citing a letter from the GLA agreeing that this does not fall under the definition of publicly owned land for the purposes of the new draft London Plan H5. Could you share with the Assembly a copy of this letter, and any legal advice you have received on this issue? Are there any risks of this having a wider impact on the effectiveness of the policy seeking 50% affordable housing on publicly owned land?

The Mayor: This is a very specific case involving a pension fund for former public sector and non-public sector employees. The site is held by Glasgow City Council, but this is for administrative purposes only on behalf of the Strathclyde Pension Fund, and the applicant has confirmed that the council has no beneficial interest in the fund. The fund acts on behalf of its members, which include employees of organisations that were formally but are no longer part of the public sector, owners of individual pension funds that may have been transferred to private businesses, smaller private companies and charities, universities and colleges, and housing associations.
In these specific circumstances, the site is not considered to be public land for the purposes of determining the relevant affordable housing threshold under policy H6 of the Draft London Plan and the Affordable Housing and Viability SPG. This case will not impact on the effectiveness of policy H6 because these particular circumstances will not apply in the majority of cases involving public land.

Fit and Proper Private Hire Operators

David Kurten: When licensing a private hire operator, is there a requirement that the operator would need to be truthful with all of the authorities and tell the truth in any ongoing legal argument for TfL to deem that operator to be fit and proper to hold a licence, or can an operator be dishonest and still be classed as fit and proper by TfL?

The Mayor: Fit and proper is a wide-ranging consideration. Transport for London (TfL) looks at the individual facts to satisfy itself that an applicant is fit and properto hold a London private hire vehicle operator’s licence.
If you or one of your constituents has a specific concern about an applicant or a licensed operator I would encourage you to contact Transport for London.

Thames Estuary 2050 Growth Commission

Nicky Gavron: What is your view on the Government’s response to the Thames Estuary 2050 Growth Commission report? The Government has committed to exploring the potential for at least two locally-led development corporations in the Thames Estuary – will either of these be in Greater London?

The Mayor: I welcome the Government’s recognition of the potential of the Thames Estuary area. It is identified as a Growth Corridor in my draft London Plan and represents the largest concentration of Opportunity Areas in the city. It continues to be a priority for regeneration and economic development, with potential for over 250,000 new homes and 200,000 new jobs
I am continuing to work closely with local partners to establish appropriate governance arrangements that will seek to oversee the implementation of the Commission’s recommendations. Outside London, the establishment of locally-led development corporations is a matter for the relevant local authorities. In London, my teams work closely with boroughs and other stakeholders on a range of potential local delivery tools. I am not aware of any proposals for locally-led development corporations from London boroughs.

Green Living Walls

Joanne McCartney: In March 2018 a trial “Living Wall” was launched in Piccadilly Circus. It was covered in moss and helps to clean the air around it. Do you have any plans to spread their use across London?

The Mayor: Well-designed urban greening can create an effective barrier to protect people from toxic air, influence dispersion and absorb some pollution.
I have already funded a number of greening projects to protect Londoners from air pollution through my Low Emission Neighbourhoods scheme and the Community Green Spaces Grant strand of my Greener City Fund. For example, I've invested £400,000 to support the installation of green screens and other greening measures at 29 of London's most polluted primary schools. I've also provided funding to two Business Improvement Districts to install green walls. My Community Green Space Grants will open again this summer, providing funding to help communities green the capital.
I have also published new guidance, drawing on the latest research, to help boroughs, community groups and businesses design their own greening projects to tackle air pollution: https://www.london.gov.uk/sites/default/files/green_infrastruture_air_pollution_may_19.pdf
While greening has an important role to play, the best way to improve air quality is to reduce emissions at source. That's why I've introduced bold measures, including the ULEZ, to clean up our filthy air.

Demand on fire safety inspection officers (2)

Andrew Dismore: How many fire safety inspection officers does LFB currently employ and how many does the Brigade predict it needs to deal with future demand?

The Mayor: London Fire Brigade (LFB) has an establishment of the equivalent of 152.5 Fire Safety Inspecting Officers. In addition to this, LFB has a number of technical officers in roles such as Engineering, Petroleum, Transport and Business Support who provide assistance and support to underpin the inspection regime. LFB is currently preparing a response to the Government’s consultation for implementing the recommendations of the Hackitt review and providing information to the call for evidence on the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 that may inform changes to the Order.Once final proposals are agreed, LFB will assess the impact on resources going forward.

LFB input into planning applications (1)

Andrew Dismore: How many planning applications did LFB comment on in each year from 2010/11 onwards?

The Mayor: London Fire Brigade (LFB) is not a statutory consultee for planning applications, so the information requested is not available. LFB is, however, a statutory consultee for building control consultations.
During the period requested, approximate numbers of Building Control Consultations received by the LFB were as follows:

Friendship Day (1)

Joanne McCartney: A constituent has asked me to ask that World Friendship Day is the 29th April. Will you be helping to celebrate this day given that it fits well with your #LondonIsOpen campaign?

The Mayor: We will definitely look at how we can appropriately mark national moments like World Friendship Day in future. I want Londoners from different backgrounds to be able to come together and benefit from all this great city has to offer. That is why I made social integration a key part of my Mayoralty and why I published a social integration strategy.
Throughout the year, we regularly celebrate and support friendship between Londoners. My London Is Open campaign has been a big part of this. Through the campaign I have been celebrating the strengths of our great city – showcasing London’s core values of openness and diversity. This includes highlighting friendships between Londoners in our latest London Is Open film and profiling the relationships between Londoners on Valentine’s Day through social media. Alongside this, over the last year we have used the campaign to help reassure EU Londoners that they are our friends, neighbours and colleagues and that they will always belong in London.

Tube noise [3]

Andrew Dismore: Further to Question No: 2019/9220
‘Although noise may have been reduced slightly in some locations such as Finchley Central, it did not exist at all before the speed increases and northbound track upgrades. Why can Transport for London not return this noise to previous level?’
Your answer being
‘The northbound track upgrade was undertaken as part of Transport for London’s (TfL) wider programme of track renewals and upgrades. These works are essential for TfL to) to maintain reliability and safety on its network.
TfL is aware of recent complaints about tube noise in this area and will undertake further noise measurements and carry out practicable mitigations to reduce noise at affected properties.’
As this problem is not going away, as more noise problems continue to emerge across the Northern and Victoria lines, and as previous mitigation measures have been found to have only short to medium term effectiveness with old complaints now returning, when will TfL get a grip on this issue; and will you consider instructing TfL to look at speed restrictions , especially outside peak hours to mitigate noise pollution, as requested in the above original question, which was not answered?

The Mayor: TfL is committed to reducing the noise experienced by people who live above or close to the Tube and will continue to take all reasonable measures to minimise noise and limit the disruption it causes.
As set out in Mayor's Question 2019/9217, TfL is currently reviewing what criteria should be used when assessing requests for speed restrictions. Clearly, the use of speed restrictions needs to be carefully balanced against providing a level of service that London Underground customers reasonably expect. I’ve asked TfL to contact you to discuss this issue when the review has progressed.

Tube noise [2]

Andrew Dismore: TfL have now adopted the dubious practice of recording noise complaints about the tube as ‘closed’ after they have done what measures they are prepared to do even if those measures have not resolved the complaints; these cases are far from closed as far as affected residents are concerned; will you instruct TfL to stop this and keep those cases open until a satisfactory mitigation of the noise has taken place?

The Mayor: Transport for London (TfL) does not intend to close noise complaints when the resident considers the case ongoing.
Where residents have been provided an update regarding their case (for example to say that best practicable means have been reached in this area, and no further work to the track is possible) and no response is received from the resident, the complaint will be closed. Any resident can reopen their case by contacting TfL’s Contact Centre by emailing [emailprotected]. Even in cases where a complaint has been closed by the Contact Centre, residents will still be advised if further works are planned.

Tube noise [1]

Andrew Dismore: Further to Question No: 2019/9216
‘Tube noise has not been reduced sufficiently for a number of residents, who have suffered ground borne noise well in excess of 50Db, in some case for several years and in one case rendering the property uninhabitable. in such cases will you now consider compensating residents, if necessary buying their property?’
Your answer being:
‘Transport for London (TfL) understands the importance of minimising noise levels for its neighbours and is determined to do more to achieve it. TfL is focussing its efforts on tackling tube noise and vibration at source, not through compensation. It has carried out works near over 200 homes most affected by noise, installing thousands of new track fastenings, hundreds of metres of new track, grinding rails and removing rail joints where no longer necessary. Where current technology does not reduce noise levels, TfL will continue working with suppliers and academics to innovate and develop new technology to reduce noise levels across the network.’
When TfL have been unable to reduce noise and vibration at source or provide other mitigation measures, what do you propose those who suffer this excessive noise should do as it may be many years if at all, that Tfl find other ways to reduce noise? And as homes are rendered uninhabitable and unsalable by noise in the most extreme cases, do you not think that compensation should be provided or TfL should offer to purchase the properties affected?

The Mayor: Transport for London (TfL) is committed to reducing the noise experienced by people who live above or close to the Tube, and will continue to take all reasonable measures to minimise noise and limit the disruption it causes. This includes prioritising sites which are experiencing the highest noise levels.
Regrettably, there are some areas where noise cannot currently be reduced to standards expected by residents. TfL continues to work alongside industry and academia to further understand noise and vibration, to trial new products and innovative solutions, and work towards reducing noise and vibration for these residents.
TfL continuesto focus its efforts on tackling Tube noise and vibration at source, not through compensation.

Hire bikes on pavements

Andrew Dismore: Bicycles owned and operated by the number of hire companies (other than TFL’s own Santander scheme) are becoming a hazard to pedestrians, especially those who are disabled, sight impaired or with small children when they are abandoned after use on the pavements, as they are with increasing regularity. What can you do to control this menace?

The Mayor: Transport for London’s (TfL’s) “Dockless bike share code of practice for operators in London” sets out clear expectations on the responsible operation of such schemes. This document emphasises the duty of TfL and other Highway Authorities to protect the rights of the public to use and enjoy the Capital’s highways and footways. It also sets out available enforcement powers for highway authorities to remove bikes where they are causing danger.
TfL and London Councils are also currently developing proposals for a pan-London regulatory framework for dockless bike operations, underpinned by a new bye-law, which will seek to address the issues you raise by giving boroughs greater to powers to specify where dockless bicycles can and cannot be parked.

Disabled blue badge holders

Andrew Dismore: What consideration did you give to exempting disabled blue badge holders from the ULEZ charge in the same way they are exempt from the congestion charge?

The Mayor: Blue Badge holders receive a 100 per cent discount to the Congestion Charge in recognition of the fact they may be dependent on using a private vehicle and therefore cannot avoid the Congestion Charge. Blue Badge holders do not receive a discount for ULEZ because while Blue Badge holders may need to use a private vehicle, they do have a choice over using or nominating a ULEZ-compliant vehicle. This issue was raised and considered as part of the consultation on bringing forward the ULEZ implementation date.
Note that specially adapted vehicles used by people with disabilities will not pay the ULEZ charge until 26 October 2025. In addition, Blue Badge holders from low income households may be able to benefit from my low income scrappage scheme, due to be launched later this year.

ULEZ adaptations (4)

Andrew Dismore: How much has LFB paid in ULEZ charges since its inception?

The Mayor: Please see my response toMayor's Question 2019/12187

Cocaine users

Andrew Dismore: Figures from the National Crime Agency have revealed that cocaine use has more than doubled in the last five years, with more than 200,000 doses being taken every day in London alone. What action will you take to bear down on users as well as suppliers of such illegal class A drugs; and in particular will you encourage stop and search of those who may be in possession of such drugs?

The Mayor: Recreational drug use is not a victimless crime, and anyone purchasing illegal drugs should be under no illusions about the horrific exploitation, abuse and violence in the supply chain. Drugs are a key driver for the levels of violence on the streets of the Capital. The MPS have 20 syndicates proactively targeting drug related violence in London. This has resulted in the execution of over 1,000 drug related search warrants since April 2018 and an increase in Stop and Search of 30 per centin 2018/19 and continues to rise. The use of Stop and Search is an operational decision.
Enforcement is only one of the responses to drug use and supply. It is important to maintain a multi-agency approach that includes effective education, diversion and treatment.

Tube noise [5]

Andrew Dismore: A constituent has had the following reply from TfL to his complaint about tube noise affecting his home:

‘In response to your noise complaint; we have opened, investigated, fed-back on work proposed and closed your complaint in line with the complaint noise & vibration process agreed by the Mayor.’

As the noise problem remains and is far from concluded do you consider closing his ongoing complaint to be appropriate; and will you publish the “complaint noise & vibration process” TfL say you have agreed?

The Mayor: Where Transport for London (TfL) provides a response to a resident (for example to say that best practicable means have been reached in this area, and no further work to the track is possible at this time) and no response is received from the resident, it is normal practice for the complaint to be closed.
In this instance, TfL advised the constituents that track work would be carried out by October 2019 and that TfL will carry out further noise measurements after that time if noise levels are not reduced to what the constituent considers a satisfactory level. TfL then closed the case.
Following feedback from the constituent, the case was reopened. Any resident can reopen their case by contacting TfL’s Contact Centre. Even in cases where a complaint has been closed by the Contact Centre, residents will still be advised if further works are planned.

Tube noise [4]

Andrew Dismore: What is the period of time that Pandrol Vanguard is expected significantly to reduce tube noise? What do you propose to do when the benefit of PV installation has worn off, as it is now doing at some sites where it was installed?

The Mayor: The supplier of these products advises that they are expected to be effective for around ten years. Transport for London (TfL) has been installing resilient track fastenings for around three years, and they continue to be effective. As a relatively new methodology on the LU network, TfL continues to monitor the impact of this technology.
In cases where residents notice an increase in noise levels, they are encouraged to contact TfL’s Contact Centre by emailing [emailprotected]. If noise measurements show that noise levels have increased, TfL will consider what further practicable works can be carried out and advise residents accordingly.

Green Alliance (1)

Leonie Cooper: Green Alliance reported that less than half of aluminium packaging in the UK is recycled. Have you calculated a figure for London, and how will you increase it?

The Mayor: Data for the recycling rate for aluminium packaging is not available at a London level. However, although metal only makes up 3-4 per cent of London’s household waste, it has high embodied carbon (meaning that the amount of carbon dioxide emitted during the lifecycle of the material, from manufacture to disposal) is high so it is important to recycle metal to reduce its carbon emissions.
My London Environment Strategy (LES) sets out my policies for increasing London’s recycling rate. I set a 65 per cent municipal waste recycling rate target for 2030 and a minimum level of service for household recycling for waste authorities to deliver by 2020 (proposal 7.2.1.a). The minimum level of service includes recycling collections of metal cans from all residential properties, and waste authorities should also collect other materials for recycling from households, such as foil, where it makes sense to do so.
Metal tins and cans are currently collected for recycling by all 33 London waste authorities, with 23 boroughs also collecting empty aerosols and 22 boroughs collecting aluminium foil for recycling
I’ve set a revised greenhouse gas Emissions Performance Standard (EPS) for London’s waste authorities to work towards achieving. As set out in Proposal 7.3.2.a, waste authorities, in delivering their waste management functions, are expected to demonstrate how they can meet the EPS. Achieving high recycling rates of materials with high embodied carbon (like metals) generally offers the best opportunity for meeting the EPS, so working towards the EPS will encourage boroughs to increase their recycling rate of aluminium and other metals.

Green Alliance (3)

Leonie Cooper: Do we know how many people have responded to Government on the proposed Riverside incinerator expansion? How many responses supported it and how many responses opposed it?

The Mayor: The National Infrastructure Planning Inspectorate received 87 Relevant Representations responding to Cory Environmental's application for a Riverside Energy Park, which includes a waste incinerator.
It is not possible to know the exact number of for/against responses as some responses do not state a clear position. However, 69 of the 87 responses received were from members of the public and businesses, and the majority indicated their opposition to the waste incinerator being built. The remaining 18 responses were mainly from organisations such as local authorities and representatives of the waste industry.
All responses are available at: https://infrastructure.planninginspectorate.gov.uk/projects/london/riverside-energy-park/?ipcsection=relreps

Green Alliance (2)

Leonie Cooper: The same Green Alliance report also highlighted the importance of recovering incinerator bottom ash for aluminium recycling. How are you working to ensure this is the case for London’s existing incinerators?

The Mayor: I do not have powers over the operation of waste incinerators. The Environment Agency regulates this and in complying with their operating permits, operators need to demonstrate that aluminium is safely and effectively recovered from incinerator bottom ash (IBA) for onward recycling. An incentive to do this already exists in that its cheaper to recycle aluminium recovered from IBA than to send it to landfill.
My focus in delivering my London Environment Strategy is to reduce and recycle aluminium instead of it going to incineration or landfill and I have set a 50 per cent food and drink waste reduction per head target by 2030.
In order to help achieve this, Proposal 7.2.1.a in my Strategy sets out that local authorities need to develop a Reduction and Recycling Plan (RRP) setting out how they will reduce waste and meet my minimum level of household recycling service for collection of the six dry main materials (paper, card, tins/cans, glass, plastics bottles, and mixed plastics) and separate food waste by 2020.

Deposit charge

Leonie Cooper: Does the Mayor agree that there should be a deposit charged on small, metal helium containers, given their proliferation in open spaces?

The Mayor: The proliferation of helium gas cannisters across London (particularly in our parks and open spaces) is a problem for those people misusing these items. Whilst tackling the causes and impacts of this problem is a public health concern, the practice is also contributing to waste and littering.
My officers recently responded to the Government's consultation on a deposit return scheme for drinks containers. The international evidence for such schemes shows that they both increase recycling of their target products/materials and reduce littering.
I would, therefore, be supportive of the Government looking at this issue.

Universal Credit

Leonie Cooper: Child Poverty Action Group (CPAG) have highlighted that Universal Credit claimants are unable to see whether they have been paid the correct amounts as it gets paid in one payment, without access to calculations. Will you write to Secretary of State for Work and Pensions Amber Rudd MP to make the appropriate changes to allow Londoners on Universal Credit to see how their calculations are made, and are then in a position to assess if mistakes have been made?

The Mayor: Single monthly payments are meant to give Universal Credit claimants more control over their finances and mirror the world of work. Yet, as CPAG point out, they are not given any information about how their payments are calculated. This is another glaring example of the botched design of Universal Credit - an issue I have already raised with four different Secretaries of State.
It’s also extremely concerning that Londoners may be unable to scrutinize and challenge benefit underpayments and errors when their entitlements have already been slashed by the government reforms of the past nine years.
My officers are currently collating the latest evidence of the impact of Universal Credit and other welfare reforms on Londoners. Once complete, I’ll write to the Secretary of State again and will be sure to include this important point.

Bus Stop Crime

Susan Hall: Presenting the data by year since 2015/16 and crime type, please provide a breakdown of the number of crimes committed at bus stops?

The Mayor: The Metropolitan Police Service (MPS) is responsible for policing London’s bus network and provides Transport for London with the figures. There is no distinct category of “bus crime” in the MPS crime recording system, and recorded crime data is extracted from the MPS system using a complex query that searches all MPS crime for transport venue codes and those that have transport-related words. for example. “bus”, “bus stop”, and “bus station”, somewhere in the electronic case file.
It is not possible to separate this dataset to obtain crimes committed at bus stops.

Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Taskforce (2)

Susan Hall: How is the taxi trade represented on the Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Taskforce?

The Mayor: The Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Taskforce received input from over 350 stakeholders, including representatives of the taxi trade. Specifically, the taxi trade representatives were involved in a series of events including three workshops between July and October 2018. Transport for London (TfL) also held a roundtable session specifically for taxi representatives to capture their requirements and understand their issues. Most recently, taxi representatives were invited to a stakeholder session where TfL presented early findings of the Delivery Plan ahead of its launch on 17 June 2019.

Building homes on NHS land (4)

Onkar Sahota: What engagement have you had with the London Estates Board in 2019?

The Mayor: The Chair of the London Estates Board and Programme Director for the London Estates Delivery Unit regularly attend the Homes for Londoners board (most recently in May 2019) to provide an update on their work. In addition they meet monthly with my Deputy Mayor for Housing and on a regular basis with my Health Advisor on specific areas of work being undertaken.

ULEZ adaptations (3)

Andrew Dismore: Will LFB’s fleet be ULEZ compliant by the rollout of the expanded zone in October 2021?

The Mayor: Please see my response toMayor's Question 2019/12187

Proposed compulsory purchase order at Earls Court

Caroline Russell: Do you support the proposed compulsory purchase order by the London Borough of Hammersmith and Fulham of the Earls Court Masterplan site?

The Mayor: I’m aware that the London Borough of Hammersmith and Fulham have agreed to commit £7,500 to funding a strategy to investigate the possibility of CPO proceedings; this proposal remains in its early stage. I can, however, restate my frustration that over 6 years after planning permission was granted, the Earls Court site within the Earls Court and West Kensington Opportunity Area has failed to deliver a single residential unit, let alone any much-needed genuine affordable housing. A commercially-feasible and realistic proposal that moves the development of the Earls Court site forward would be welcome.

GLA functional bodies and renewables

Caroline Russell: Thank you for your answer to my question 2019/8862 in which you confirmed that City Hall has switched to: “100 per cent green energy with renewable electricity supplied by Ecotricity and green gas by Corona.” What proportion of Transport for London (TfL), Metropolitan Police Service (MPS), London Fire Brigade and Mayoral Development Corporations energy use is from non-fossil fuel renewable sources? Will you provide this data for each financial year from 2014-15 to 2018-19 showing total energy use along with the proportion from renewables?

The Mayor: The GLA Group is committed to meet a 60 per cent reduction in CO2 emissions on 1990 levels by 2025. The Group is on track to meet this target.
As part of the carbon reduction commitment, the GLA is working with the Functional Bodies looking at how to use their collective energy demand to encourage more renewable energy investment.
Work to maximise the use of on-site renewables is underway. LFB has installed solar across 65 sites, which is over 50 per centof its buildings and is reviewing options for further installations. TfL is progressing 1.1 MW of solar installations on its buildings through the RE:FIT programme, and MPS has mapped their potential for renewables across their estates and is now looking at which sites they can take forward, where viable.
In terms of switching to a green tariff, in April 2019 City Hall switched to a 100% renewable energy provider. The rest of the GLA Group were not able to switch immediately due to their existing energy contracts. The GLA is working with the Functional Bodies to assess how they can best support further additional investment in renewables through their energy procurement.
In the meantime, Functional Bodies are focusing their carbon reduction actions in key areas that cut carbon and save money such as moving their fleet to zero emission vehicles and improving the energy efficiency of their buildings.
The table below shows energy usage across the GLA Group, with the proportion of total energy use from renewables, either from on-site renewables or certified green (100% renewable) electricity and gas tariffs for the last five financial years.
Year
TfL[1]
MPS
LFB
LLDC[2]
2014-15
Total energy usage (MWh) for both electricity and gas
1,041,000
264,555
38,300
Not currently available
Total and proportion of energy usage from renewable sources (MWh)
200
(0.02%)
350
(0.13%)
2,145
(5.6%)
Not currently available
2015-16
Total energy usage (MWh) for both electricity and gas
1,103,000
243,568
34,900
2,109
Total and proportion of energy usage from renewable sources (MWh)
200
(0.02%)
399
(0.16%)
2,408
(6.9%)
352
(16.7%)
2016-17
Total energy usage (MWh) for both electricity and gas
1,547,000
251,415
38,200
2,659
Total and proportion of energy usage from renewable sources (MWh)
200
(0.01%)
385
(0.15%)
2,750
(7.2%)
323
(12.15%)
2017-18
Total energy usage (MWh) for both electricity and gas
1,533,000
230,223
38,000
2,838
Total and proportion of energy usage from renewable sources (MWh)
200
(0.01%)
339
(0.15%)
3,116
(8.2%)
371
(13.07%)
2018-19
Total energy usage (MWh) for both electricity and gas
1,558,000
211,193
38,550
Not currently available
Total and proportion of energy usage from renewable sources (MWh)
200
(0.01%)
Not currently available
2,799
(7.26%)
Not currently available
Please note the data above does not take into account the renewable proportion of the standard electricity grid supply.
Old Oak and Park Royal Development Corporation (OPDC) is a sub-tenant to the London Fire Brigade and therefore their data is embedded within the LFB's entry.
[1]TfL's generates approx.. 200 MWh p.a. from on-site renewable energy – this is an estimated figure
[2]LLDC does not have a contract for gas consumption

Warmer Homes Scheme

Onkar Sahota: How many properties have been improved through the warmer homes scheme in a) the social sector, b) private rented sector, and c) owner occupied?

The Mayor: My Warmer Homes scheme is part of my Energy for Londoners programme and was introduced in January 2018 to support my ambition to make London a zero carbon city by 2050, while at the same time protecting the disadvantaged by tackling fuel poverty. The scheme provides fuel poor homes with up to £4,000 of energy efficiency improvements and is only open to applications from the owner occupier and the private rented sectors. RE:NEW, another part of my Energy for Londoners programme, supported the social sector.
As at 13 June 2019, 681 homes have been improved in the owner occupier sector as part of Warmer Homes, with hundreds more underway. I also launched a pilot within the private rented sector in October 2018. To date one home has so far been improved with over 50 more scheduled to have improvements soon.

Preparing London for rapid global warming (2)

Caroline Russell: In my priority question 2019/8850 I drew your attention to a gap in research on the heatwave risks to London businesses and their employees. This was identified in my report, Climate Change Risks for London, and the Mott McDonald report, Technical Assistance to Deliver London’s Climate Action Plan, that was commissioned for the GLA. Will you reconsider your response by undertaking work to address this gap or ensure that a relevant body does this, so that London’s businesses, particularly small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), are better informed and able to prepare for heatwaves and severe droughts?

The Mayor: London has numerous assessments of the climate change risks to London, including in the reports you cite. To be most effective, these assessments need to be applied to businesses, and the best way for businesses to improve their understanding and capacity to prepare for heat and other climate impacts is to conduct their own assessments of the risks they face and identify actions they can take. With the pressing climate emergency, we face, what is most important now is that we move from research into action, and that is what I am doing.
I am already working through the London Climate Change Partnership (LCCP) to encourage businesses to assess their risks from heat and other climate impacts – through numerous interactive events (including two dedicated events during London Climate Action Week), through promotion of tools like the Business Resilience Health Check (which LCCP helped develop), and through knowledge exchange with businesses and infrastructure providers like Thames Water and TfL, who have conducted assessments of risks to their operations from climate change.
In addition, we have been working with London's water companies and London Resilience to engage with sectors, including business, in scenario planning to help understand the potential effects of extreme drought.

Grenfell Tower and toxic contamination

Caroline Russell: In answer to question 2018/3249 you said that you will continue: “to push” the Government and London Borough of Kensington and Chelsea to ensure that an accurate assessment of the harmful soil contamination around Grenfell Tower is taking place and that: “any mitigation measures that may be required are put in place.” Have you made any further representations following the new study published by University of Central Lancashire, published in March 2019 (https://www.uclan.ac.uk/news/research-finds-contamination-in-soil-surrounding-grenfell.php), which showed considerable concentrations of cancer-causing chemicals to which local residents and businesses could be exposed?

The Mayor: My team is regularly in contact with Public Health England and the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea about the additional environmental checks being carried out around the Grenfell Tower.
I understand that the environmental checks being undertaken on behalf of the Government involve a series of desk-based and field-based research, testing and analysis.
AECOM has been appointed as an independent specialist contractor to carry out initial checks with the community. Testing started in April in North Kensington, with exploratory sampling carried out in early June.

Building homes on NHS land (5)

Onkar Sahota: What major sites have been prioritised for joint working between the GLA and the London Estates Delivery Unit and what is the number of homes planned for each of these?

The Mayor: The GLA and London Estates Delivery Unit (LEDU) are working together on a number of sites and potential sites, and discussions on each have progressed to different degrees. Land at St Ann’s Hospital and North Middlesex Hospital has been acquired by the GLA and these sites could deliver around 800 and 200 homes respectively. The GLA and LEDU are supporting work relating to the Whittington Health Trust estate, King George’s Hospital and Goodmayes Hospital sites in Redbridge, and the St Bernard’s Hospital site in Ealing, and if it is concluded that housing can be delivered on any of these sites the number of homes will be subject to what land is available and local planning policy.

Building homes on NHS land (6)

Onkar Sahota: What will be the GLA and Mayor’s role in the decision making of the London Estates Board?

The Mayor: I continue to chair the London Health Board, which has strategic political oversight for health and care in London, and I am represented on the London Estates Board by two of my senior officers.

Building homes on NHS land (7)

Onkar Sahota: What progress has there been on making the GLA the host for the LEB/LEDU budget?

The Mayor: The GLA now hosts the budget for the LEB/LEDU.

Building homes on NHS land (8)

Onkar Sahota: What schemes will be taken forward as a result of the £150m STP wave 4 capital funding grant?

The Mayor: The NHS has not yet published details of the successful wave 4 capital schemes.

Building homes on NHS land (1)

Onkar Sahota: Is the London Estates Board now in its shadow decision making phase (phase 3), and if not, when is this scheduled to be achieved?

The Mayor: The London Estates Board aims to move to the shadow decision making phase by autumn 2019.

Building homes on NHS land (2)

Onkar Sahota: A draft London Estates Strategy was due in April 2019. When will this be published?

The Mayor: The London Health and Care Estates Strategy will be presented to the London Health Board, for endorsement, at its meeting on the 10th July 2019. A two-page summary of the strategy was shared with the London Health Board at its April meeting. The full strategy is expected to be published shortly after the London Health Board meeting.

Meanwhile and temporary use of home and business sites at Earls Court

Caroline Russell: Thank you for your reply to my question 2019/8876 on meanwhile use for the Earls Court Masterplan site. In your answer you mention that Earls Court Partnership Limited (ECPL), the joint venture between Transport for London (TfL) and Capital and Counties Properties PLC, has opened a pop-up high street on Lillie Road.
However, the flats above the pop-up high street and the homes in adjacent Empress Place, also owned by ECPL, also lie empty. Why are these homes not being used for temporary housing, when there is a crisis in this provision demonstrated by the recent London Assembly Housing Committee report, Living in Limbo: London's Temporary Accommodation crisis?

The Mayor: The level of homelessness across the country is a national disgrace and we need to do all we can to help people off the streets. Transport for London (TfL) and I have both repeatedly stated that we want to see development, including much higher levels of affordable housing, brought forward at Earls Court as soon as possible. I have asked TfL to investigate how the empty properties at Earls Court could be brought into use if there is any further delay in the start of large-scale development.

Falling value of the former Earls Court Exhibition Centres site

Caroline Russell: It was reported in the Evening Standard on 31 May 2019 that a further £49 million has been lost on the value of the site where the former Earls Court Exhibition Centres once stood and which is owned by the joint venture between Transport for London (TfL) and Capital and Counties Properties PLC.
Do you have an exit strategy from this joint venture and the failing Earls Court Masterplan?

The Mayor: As part its year-end activity, Transport for London (TfL) commissioned property agents JLL to undertake an updated valuation of the property interests at Earls Court as of the end of March 2019. This showed a 10.5 per cent reduction from the previous valuation at the end of December 2018 as a result of a number of adjustments. It has been widely reported that Capco is seeking to dispose of its interest in Earls Court, and TfL is in ongoing discussions about progressing the delivery of housing. In any event, I have been clear that I want many more affordable homes at the site and for the West Kensington and Gibbs Green estates to be returned to the London borough of Hammersmith & Fulham.

ULEZ adaptations (2)

Andrew Dismore: When will LFB’s fleet be ULEZ compliant for the inner zone?

The Mayor: Please see my response to Mayor's Question 2019/12187

Using apps outside London (1)

David Kurten: TfL state that a taxi driver cannot accept a job on an app when they are located outside of the TfL licensed area. why is this?

The Mayor: Please see my response to Mayor’s Question 2019/4090

Information-sharing pilots on extremist individuals

Sian Berry: In a Times article on 29 March 2019, the Metropolitan Police Commissioner and the Director-General of MI5 said: "A broader, multi-agency approach to managing the risk in communities posed by individuals linked to violent extremism can succeed where a more active, intrusive investigation might not. This means sharing intelligence with a wider range of partners than before, such as health and social services departments, to make use of local expertise. Several pilot projects are running with a view to introducing a national scheme." Are these information-sharing pilots happening in London, in which boroughs if so, and what consultation has occurred between the Metropolitan Police Service, community representatives and the Information Commissioner's Office to avoid the discrimination, legal concerns and data protection issues that occurred with the Gangs Matrix?

The Mayor: The 2017 terrorist attacks and numerous subsequent foiled plots have shown the pace at which individuals can now become active terrorists.
Subsequent work by the police, MI5 and the Home Office highlighted the need to take a whole of government approach to counter terrorism and the subsequent review of the handling of the terrorist attacks in 2017 led by Lord (David) Anderson, recommended the wider sharing of intelligence.
As such, in November 2017 the National Multi Agency Centre (NMAC) was launched by MI5, Counter-Terrorism Policing and Home Office. The pilot shares information about individuals subject to national security investigation with partners to better understand individual risks and vulnerabilities and, where appropriate, take mitigating action to help reduce the risk from all forms of violent extremism.
Currently, a small number of boroughs in London are involved in the pilot, and the responsibility for the management, processes and evaluation of these pilots lies with the Home Office and MI5. The London CONTEST board, chaired by the Deputy Mayor for Policing and Crime, is sighted on the pilot’s progress.
The learning from the Gangs Matrix has been incorporated into the legal basis of the pilots, in consultation with MPS legal teams.

Fuel Poverty Support Fund (1)

Onkar Sahota: The fuel poverty strategy pledged £250,000 to set up a pan-London fuel poverty referral network. How many people have been seen by this service and what is the average financial gain per person?

The Mayor: The Fuel Poverty Support Fund is part of my Energy for Londoners programme and has supported existing borough fuel poverty advice and referral services to expand and provide pan-London coverage. In the first round Croydon, Islington, Kingston, and Lewisham were funded to provide energy advice, home energy visits, applications to Warmer Home grants, support with energy debt and more, to all 33 London boroughs. Between February 2018 and March 2019 2,557 households were supported by the service. The estimated average saving per household is £169 per year.

Pay as you go energy meters

Onkar Sahota: How many homes in London had pay as you go energy meters in 2018, 2017, 2016, and 2015?

The Mayor: The Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) has only provided data for one year (2017) and for electricity only. This showed that there were 508,980 electricity non-smart pay as you go meters being used in London.
However, statistics from BEIS on payment methods by region for the previous three years suggest that at least 20 per cent of London households use pay as you go meters for at least one fuel. These figures are considerably higher than BEIS 2017 data.
Data for 2018 will not be available until the end of 2019 and I would like to see more complete and comparable data available in future.

Mayor’s Land Fund (3)

Tom Copley: How many homes are proposed for sites bought through the Mayor’s Land Fund, and what proportion are genuinely affordable? Will you ensure that at least 50% of all homes developed through this fund are genuinely affordable?

The Mayor: The Mayor’s Land Fund currently has a pipeline of investment and acquisition opportunities actively being explored by the Homes for Londoners team which could deliver up to around 30,000 homes of which at least 50 per cent are expected to be genuinely affordable.

London Living Rent (1)

Tom Copley: While noting your previous response to my question 2018/2182 that providers have flexibility to let homes either as London Living Rent or London Shared Ownership up to the point of first occupation, could you please again provide a breakdown of the GLA’s Affordable Housing Statistics with London Living Rent and Shared Ownership as distinct categories.

The Mayor: The GLA’s Affordable Housing Statistics 2018/19 report 6,524 London Living Rent (LLR)/ London Shared Ownership (LSO) starts and 3,408 LLR/ LSO completions.
An initial indication of the split between LLR and LSO within these headline numbers show 379 LLR and 6,145 LSO starts, and 314 LLR and 3,094 LSO completions. However as noted in questions, it is possible that some starts currently identified as LSO will in fact be first let as LLR, or vice versa, given the flexibility the Mayor’s programme gives providers.

London Living Rent (2)

Tom Copley: Could you provide figures for how many London Living Rent properties are currently being let in each London Borough.

The Mayor: The GLA does not hold this data.

TFL refunds

Tom Copley: Will you ask TfL to make it easier for people who touch in with the wrong contactless card to obtain refunds online, including being able to cancel journeys begun with the wrong card, or ‘port’ them across to another registered card once completed so that daily caps still apply?

The Mayor: Transport for London (TfL) already offers an excellent online claim service that covers most customers’ needs, and also seeks to automatically refund customers where it appears a genuine error has been made, and where a “touch in “ or a “touch out” is missing.
It would be very expensive to develop the online claim service to cover every refund scenario, and would detract from the ease of use of the website.
TfL frequently reminds customers of the importance of touching in and out with the same card, for instance in station public address announcements.

Abingdon Reservoir and climate emergency

Leonie Cooper: Do you agree that in light of the Climate Emergency, that all efforts should be made to complete the Abingdon Reservoir by 2035?

The Mayor: A twin track approach is needed to ensure resilient water supplies for London in future, where water demand is reduced alongside delivering new water infrastructure. I support the need for a major new water resource to be shared by London's water companies to supply London and the south east of England. In parallel, water companies must invest more on leakage detection and repair, expanding metering and increasing water efficiency without impacting on customer bills. The current rate of leakage and the number of mains bursts are unacceptable, and I have been continually holding water companies to account on their poor performance since I was elected. I have repeatedly asked Thames Water and others to take control of their network, identifying and fixing leaks more quickly and efficiently.
I recently responded to consultations on 25-year water resource management plans from Thames Water and Affinity Water, calling for them to work together to plan and share water resources to ensure a more resilient supply. As part of this, I called for the proposed reservoir completion date to be brought forward from 2043 to 2037, as proposed by Thames Water. New shared water resources will help bolster London's future resilience to drought and support the needs of neighbouring water companies that also supply London. I set out that water companies should focus on innovative delivery and funding models, to deliver this nationally significant piece of infrastructure and that planning needs to start now.

Mayor’s Land Fund (1)

Tom Copley: How much money has been spent to date and how much is remaining in the Mayor’s Land Fund?

The Mayor: £217,096,103 has been committed to date from the Mayor’s Land Fund. A breakdown of investment is provided below:
Site(s)
Total Investment
St Anne’s Hospital
£55,697,103
Marshgate Lane
£27,905,000
Woodlands and Master’s House
£21,854,000
Swan Strategic Partnership Sites
£50,000,000
Holloway Prison Site
£41,636,000
Land at North Middlesex Hospital (LB Enfield)
£13,662,000
Colindale Station
£6,342,000
Total
£217,096,103
£518,903,897 remains in the Mayor’s London Land Fund which now consists of £250m originally allocated by the Mayor and an additional £486m more recently secured from the Government.

Mayor’s Land Fund (2)

Tom Copley: How many sites have been purchased to date with the Mayor’s Land Fund, and how many more sites are being explored?

The Mayor: Two sites have been purchased to date with the Mayor’s Land Fund: St Ann’s Hospital in Haringey; and land at North Middlesex Hospital in Enfield. Several other site acquisitions are being explored.

Vulnerable Londoners’ Housing (1)

Tom Copley: How many Londoners with learning disabilities are housed in long-term institutional setting awaiting independent homes in the community?

The Mayor: According to NHS statistics, there were 300 Londoners with a learning disability, autism, or both in hospital at the end of April 2019. Many would have been awaiting a home in the community, though unfortunately data on this is not routinely collected by the NHS.
Please also refer to Mayor's Question 2019/12139.

Vulnerable Londoners’ Housing (2)

Tom Copley: What plans does the Mayor have to ensure we build the homes we need to support these vulnerable Londoners effectively?

The Mayor: Through my Care and Support Specialised Housing (CASSH) Fund, I am making at least £100m of capital funding available to deliver homes for older and disabled Londoners. I have delivered 93 specialist homes for people with learning disabilities or autism and 19 more homes are in the pipeline.My Homes for Londoners team continue to work with registered providers and local authorities to develop more specialist homes for Londoners with specialist housing needs.

Delivery of protected cycle routes (5)

Caroline Russell: Thank you for your answer to my question 2018/3044, in which you told me that you had delivered 11.5 km of properly protected cycle lanes as superhighways with 30 km of protected space across the Quietway and Mini Hollands programme. How many more kilometres of protected cycle lanes have you delivered since you gave me this answer in November 2018, and how many of these are on superhighway routes?

The Mayor: I continue to make good progress on my election pledge of tripling the amount of protected space the previous administration delivered. As I stated on the 24 May 2019 at the London Walking and Cycling Conference, I have already doubled the amount of protected space the last Mayor delivered.
Since your question in November, I can confirm that an additional 10km of protected cycle lanes has been delivered.Of the 10km, 1.5km has been delivered on superhighway routes.

Firefighter accommodation (1)

Andrew Dismore: When does the Brigade expect to see the West Hampstead refurbished cottages occupied by firefighters?

The Mayor: Applications for planning and listed building consent to cover the refurbishment works were submitted to the London Borough of Camden and validated by the council in mid-January 2019. The works package was tendered in March 2019 and formal approval has now been sought for contract award, pending a decision on the listed building and planning consent. The current target date for occupation is February 2020.

Fuel Poverty Support Fund (2)

Onkar Sahota: When will the second half of the £500,000 FPSF be allocated and to what projects?

The Mayor: Through the Fuel Poverty Support Fund, I aim to support borough fuel poverty advice and referral services to expand and provide a pan-London service. A further £450,000 has been allocated to the fund, bringing the total to £700,000. Grants for Round 2 will be allocated in July 2019 and boroughs awarded funds to deliver a pan-London fuel poverty advice and referral service will be announced soon.

Delivery of protected cycle routes (6)

Caroline Russell: Thank you for your answer to my question 2018/5194. Could you list the sections of protected cycle route that have been delivered each year, and what programme they were delivered under, since the Cycle Vision programme began in 2013?

The Mayor: Please find attached list of delivered sections of protected space per programme and year delivered.

Fixed odds betting terminals

Onkar Sahota: What support was provided to boroughs to deal with fixed odds betting terminals in advance of the review of licenses in January 2019?

The Mayor: In the London Health and Social Care Devolution Memorandum of Understanding the GLA and London partners committed to working closely with DCMS during their review of gaming machines and social responsibility measures. The government announced on 14 November 2018 that the reduction in the maximum stake on Fixed Odds Betting Terminals (B2 machines) from £100 to £2 per bet would come into force on 1 April 2019. Policy E9 of the draft London Plan supports boroughs to manage clusters of uses, including betting shops, with regard to their impact on mental and physical health and wellbeing. A maximum of four machines can be sited on betting premises.

Highbury Corner

Caroline Russell: Are there lessons to be learned about communication with residents during the implementation of big junction schemes, such as at Highbury Corner?

The Mayor: Lessons can always be learned with complex schemes such as Highbury Corner, and Transport for London (TfL) is committed to working closely with all key stakeholders throughout major improvement schemes.
For Highbury Corner, TfL carried out a great deal of local engagement, including advanced letter drops to residents, fortnightly newsletters and face to face engagement. A Public Liaison Officer is on site to communicate daily with residents, and a number of site visits have been carried out with local stakeholders to identify and address concerns.
TfL appreciates the importance of keeping residents informed about works that affect them, and lessons learned from Highbury Corner are being applied across other projects, such as the Old Street roundabout project.

Hammersmith Bridge bus changes

Caroline Russell: In your response to my question 2019/8854 you cited changes by Transport for London (TfL) to improve public transport links. People crossing Hammersmith Bridge need buses that connect at each end but residents feel this has not been provided. Will TfL ensure that adequate capacity is provided for those still able to cross Hammersmith Bridge having reached it by bus?

The Mayor: Transport for London (TfL) is working to strike a balance between those wishing to cross the bridge on foot and those who want to travel by bus to the tube stations at Hammersmith or Putney. The overall number of buses in the area is about the same as before the bridge closure, but owing to the restrictions on the bridge, they have been forced to serve different locations.
Transport for London (TfL) has set up an engagement website at https://consultations.tfl.gov.uk/buses/hammersmith-bridge and it is continuing to receive and review customer comments about the route changes. I would encourage residents to submit their observations on underserved local transport links here. In addition, TfL is continuing to monitor the capacity and demand on these routes and make adjustments to services as necessary. This means TfL can accurately assess options and consider making alterations to services. An example of this is the increased frequency on route 33, which was introduced in early June.

Buses to help deliver new housing

Caroline Russell: An update on your bus strategy proposed undertaking up to seven studies to identify network growth opportunities in areas where significant change (e.g. housing development) is expected. Will you identify the boroughs and areas where these studies will be undertaken, and when they will be delivered?

The Mayor: Transport for London (TfL) has identified areas for potential growth in the bus network and has been discussing potential studies with the relevant boroughs. The areas identified include Croydon (with a focus on planned housing growth across the borough); Harrow opportunity area (with extra capacity to housing developments); Sutton (with particular reference to the new Cancer Hub development at the Royal Marsden Hospital); the London Riverside growth area in Barking & Dagenham and Havering; the Royal Docks in Newham; Uxbridge in Hillingdon (with a focus on the future of the town centre) and the Old Kent Road growth corridor.
Some of the studies are already underway, and TfL expects to complete all of them in the current financial year (2019/20). The identified schemes are expected to be delivered from 2020/21, continuing over a number of years in line with growth. Further studies in other areas are being scoped as part of this ongoing programme.

London Plan density policy (4)

Steve O'Connell: The policies in your draft London Plan do not set out a clear and systematic approach to assess development proposals that reflect site specific circumstances. Your answer to Question 2019/8976 indicated that you are preparing detailed Supplementary Planning Guidance to accompany the Plan that will provide additional detail on how to effectively optimise the capacity of sites by following the design-led-approach.
If that is the case does it not prove that Policy D6:
1 Does not meet the requirements of NPPF para 16 d);
2 If the Supplementary Planning Guidance is not published at the same time as the New London Plan, how will applicants provide proposals that meet the policy if there is no available guidance between publication of the New London Plan and publication of the Supplementary Planning Guidance;
3 For London Boroughs to incorporate these requirements in their local plans assumes that they are reviewing their local plans in step with the review of the London Plan and that is not necessarily the case?

The Mayor: In response to your first question, my answer is ‘no’, as Policy D6 does meet the requirements of NPPF para 16d. I consider the policies of my Plan to be clearly written and easy to follow. In response to your second question, it is my intention to publish the guidance alongside the plan. However, the supplementary planning guidance is not needed to implement the policy.
It is unavoidable that the London Plan and borough local plans are ‘out of sync’ for periods of time, as a result of the periodic production cycle of both. However, it’s worth noting that government requires local plans to be refreshed every 5 years. Moreover, the planning system provides for greatest weight to be awarded to the newest development plan where there is a conflict with existing local plan policy. Where a Local Plan has not yet incorporated my new approach, my policy can be applied directly.

London Plan density policy (5)

Steve O'Connell: Your answer to Question 2019/8977 indicated “The draft Plan requires development proposals to provide a range of measures of density that are more useful than the current single density measure monitored…”
These consist of Policy D6:
Policy D6 paragraph D states:
The following measurements of density should be provided for all planning applications that include new residential units:
1) number of units per hectare
2) number of habitable rooms per hectare
3) number of bedrooms per hectare
4) number of beds-paces per hectare.

What is the methodology to analyse the acceptability or otherwise of these parameters for a specific development proposal once provided!? Are these figures not irrelevant if not judged against a methodology to determine acceptability or otherwise with respect to the local context and available public transport infrastructure, or if there is no methodology to determine acceptability or unacceptability against each individual proposal?

The Mayor: My London Plan requires development proposals to provide a range of density measures in order to help assess, monitor and compare development proposals. The density measures related to the residential population will be relevant for infrastructure provision, while measures of density related to the built form and massing will inform its integration with the surrounding context. These measures will also inform future reviews of the London Plan.

London Plan density policy (2)

Steve O'Connell: If the Density Matrix is removed from the Policy and Policy D6 is adopted – how will applicants be able to provide development proposals to meet the Policy if the Supplementary Planning Guidance to accompany the Plan that will provide additional detail on how to effectively optimise the capacity of sites by following the design-led approach, is not published at the same time as the new London Plan is adopted?
And will this Supplementary Planning Guidance be included in the Evaluation in Public (EiP) procedures by the Planning Inspectorate?

The Mayor: My policy approach to density in my draft London Plan is clearly drafted and unambiguous. As such, the policy can be implemented immediately. This notwithstanding, I intend to publish supplementary guidance alongside my London Plan to assist those involved in planning and development to apply the density policy, alongside other relevant policies, in a consistent and robust manner.
Supplementary planning guidance is not subject to public examination because it is not a policy document. The role of supplementary planning guidance is to assist in the implementation of policy, which must, of course, be subject to public examination.

London Plan density policy (3)

Steve O'Connell: In response to Question 2019/8975, you state that Policy D6 provides a requirement for an assessment of each development site’s context to identify opportunities and constraints that can determine the appropriate built form and the Plan is explicit that the density of individual development proposals should be reduced to respond to existing and planned levels of supporting infrastructure, including public transport capacity, where the capacity cannot be sufficiently expanded through the development or through a strategic approach to enhance area-wide infrastructure capacity. However, the Policy does not specify any methodology to determine the acceptability or otherwise of these parameters.
How does a developer or an applicant assess the appropriateness of these requirements if there is no guidance or methodology to determine these requirements?

The Mayor: Effective planning for growth requires continuous assessment and reassessment of existing and planned infrastructure capacity. Undertaking infrastructure assessments and developing infrastructure delivery plans are core work for borough planning departments and the Planning Advisory Service long ago published detailed guidance on the production of infrastructure delivery plans. Applicants should work closely with boroughs to ascertain whether emerging proposals can be supported by the current or planned infrastructure capacity or whether there is a need to either deliver the necessary enabling infrastructure through the development or to reduce the density of a proposal to a sustainable level.

Tram crime in Croydon

Steve O'Connell: For each of the years 2016/17, 2017/18 and 2018/19, how many crimes have been committed on Trams in Croydon by crime type?

The Mayor: The below table indicates the number of crimes on the tram network in Croydon in the London Borough of Croydon, broken down by year and crime type.
Tram crimes in Croydon
Crime Type
2016/17
2017/18
2018/19
01A Violence
67
75
69
02A Sexual offences
8
3
7
03A Criminal Damage
29
20
13
04A Line of Route (Serious)
8
5
3
05A Theft of Passenger Property
17
15
30
06A Motor Vehicle
4
5
2
07A Robbery
6
10
7
08A Burglary & Theft Railway
3
5
0
09A Public Order (Serious)
36
49
39
10A Fraud (Serious)
0
0
2
11A Drugs
11
12
18
12A Other (Serious)
2
0
0
Grand Total
191
199
190

Airwave incidental coverage

Andrew Dismore: In written evidence to the Public Accounts Committee, the National Fire Chiefs Council stated that the incidental coverage of the Emergency Services Network is unlikely to be as good as Airwave’s. What assessment has LFB made of the potential impact of this in London when ESN is eventually implemented?

The Mayor: Incidental coverage generally refers to non-contractual coverage in buildings. As the fire and rescue service use Airwave/ESN principally in the open, London Fire Brigade (LFB) does not envisage there being a problem. In buildings, LFB uses an ‘off network’ radio system that does not rely on such coverage. The current plan is for coverage testing to begin taking place in late 2019, when LFB will ensure that coverage is in place in all areas to meet their operational requirements.

London Plan density policy (6)

Steve O'Connell: Your answer to Question 2019/8978 described the ways of measuring transport connectivity using the TfL WebCAT PTAL and TIM but the answer did not clarify how PTAL and TIM could be used to implement Policy D6 or how these parameters could be used to interpret the appropriate densities of a proposed development.
How should the WebCAT PTAL and TIM parameters be used to determine the acceptability or otherwise of an individual development proposal without some form of detailed guidance or methodology once the Density Matrix has been removed?

The Mayor: These tools are not intended to determine the acceptability of individual development proposals. The tools are a resource that provide information about certain characteristics of a site. This informs the analysis of site opportunities and constraints which, ultimately, is used to determine the acceptability of an individual development proposal. However, in all cases, this determination requires a synthesised understanding of a range of relevant contextual information.

London Plan density policy (7)

Steve O'Connell: Your response to Question 2019/8979 related to the Density Matrix but did not indicate how Policy D6 would meet the requirements of NPPF Plan Making Para 16 which states:
Plans should:
b) be prepared positively, in a way that is aspirational but deliverable;
c) be shaped by early, proportionate and effective engagement between plan-makers and communities, local organisations, businesses, infrastructure providers and operators and statutory consultees;
d) contain policies that are clearly written and unambiguous, so it is evident how a decision maker should react to development proposals;
Would you agree that Policy D6 does not meet NPPF Para 16 b) as without clarification the policy is not deliverable, as well as
para 16 c) as the policy is not shaped by effective engagement between Plan Makers and Communities (communities have no methodology or grounds to challenge proposals)?
Also, would you agree that it does not meet para 16 d), as the policy is ambiguous in that there is no specific quantifiable measure of acceptability, and therefore it is not evident how a decision maker (or applicant) should react to a development proposal?

The Mayor: I am confident my entire Plan meets the requirements of 2018 NPPF Paragraph 16. However, my Plan has been examined against the 2012 NPPF, which expresses these requirements differently.
Regarding Para 16 Part b), I consider the policy is deliverable without further clarification. I have committed to providing supplementary planning guidance to enable robust and consistent application of the policy. Furthermore, the guidance will enhance the accessibility of the policy for non-experts.
In response to Part c), the policy is informed by a substantial body of evidence that I referenced in my written statement in support of the policy for the purpose of the London Plan examination. Furthermore, the policy was developed through a consultative process with a wide range of stakeholders, including community groups, in particular during the formal London Plan consultation in late 2017.
Finally, in relation to Part d), the policy is unambiguous. Determining an appropriate density is a complex and sensitive process. There is no alternative strategic policy that would be effective in determining the optimum density of individual development sites with the use of quantifiable matrix-like tools. Such tools may be seductive for their apparent objectivity and simplicity. However, these tools are ultimately meretricious and would produce undesirable planning outcomes, or simply not be followed, as is the outcome of the density matrix in the majority of cases seen by the GLA.

Firefighter accommodation (2)

Andrew Dismore: What sites is LFB intending to develop for firefighter housing and what is the total number of homes that will be delivered on each of these sites?

The Mayor: The London Fire Commissioner (LFC) considers the potential to provide single persons quarters accommodation for firefighters as part of the feasibility studies for major refurbishments and rebuilds of its properties, subject to capacity, viability and demand. The only confirmed plan at this stage is the refurbishment of the West Hampstead cottages, which will provide eight single person’s quarters.

Hackitt review team use of Union Street

Andrew Dismore: Has any agreement been reached for the Hackitt review team to occupy the space at Union Street recently vacated by London TravelWatch; and if so will they be paying a commercial rent?

The Mayor: The Building Safety Team advising the Government programme arising from Dame Judith Hackitt’s review are a combination of LFB staff and seconded officers from other fire and rescue services. Seconded officers are principally located in the Home Office and the Ministry for Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) offices when required in London for meetings. They attend London Fire Brigade headquarters when required, utilising agile working spaces within the building. These arrangements are not due to change.

Emergency Services Network

Andrew Dismore: When do you expect LFB to replace Airwave with the Emergency Services Network?

The Mayor: The current planning assumption based on all available information is that London Fire Brigade will commence transition to the Emergency Services Network in early 2022, completing by the end of that year.

Low level times looked at an aggregate

Onkar Sahota: How do the Metropolitan Police Service ensure that if a high number of similar ‘low-level’ crimes (which may ordinarily not require further investigation under the MPS’ Crime Assessment Policy) take place in the same area over a short period of time, local police officers will respond to the pattern of incidents and recognise the cumulative impact of these crimes?

The Mayor: MPS officers can use the MPS crime reporting database (CRIS) to access the overnight review function for the ward to search for repeat victims. Hotspot data, feedback from ward panels and ASB maps are also available to them. Using all of these tactics, the ward officer can identify lower level persistent repeats and adopt a problem-solving approach using criminal behaviour orders, crime prevention design advisors or other tactics.

ULEZ adaptations (1)

Andrew Dismore: What percentage and number of each category of LFB’s fleet is currently non-compliant with the ULEZ?

The Mayor: London Fire Brigade (LFB) fleet compliance with the ULEZ is shown in the following table:
Category
Compliant
Non-Compliant
Pumping appliances
119(58%)
88 (42%)
Aerials
0
19 (100%)
Fire Rescue Units
0
18 (100%)
Command Units
0
9 (100%)
Front Line Specials
0
38 (100%)
Cars
60(100%)
0
Vans
20(65%)
11 (35%)
Totals
199 (49%)
211 (51%)
All fleet vehicles stationed within the inner zone are compliant and have been since ULEZ was introduced. Stations with ‘grounds’ that spread into the inner zone have allocated pumping appliances that are compliant. The rest of the LFB fleet is planned to be compliant by the end of October 2021 through the asset replacement programme. However, the Home Office has no plans for the National Resilience prime mover and the detection, identification and monitoring (DIM) vehicles to be replaced by October 2021. In addition, a certified ‘after fit’ exhaust treatment system has not been found, so there is a risk these twenty-six National Resilience vehicles will not be compliant by October 2021. The LFB also already operate an electric car fleet.
The whole LFB fleet is either compliant, registered within the sunset period or only operated outside central London, and so the LFB has not been issued any ULEZ charges. Some officers’ cars used under the essential car user scheme are non-compliant and, therefore, could incur a charge if driven within the inner zone, but no ULEZ penalty charge notices have been reclaimed to date.
The LFB also operate and maintain 27 National Resilience prime mover and detection, identification and monitoring (DIM) vehicles on behalf of the Home Office. All these vehicles are currently non-compliant and I am concerned there are no plans to upgrade them. I urge the Government to match our ambition and leadership and ensure these vehicles are compliant by October 2021.

Additional Fire Cadets units

Andrew Dismore: When do you expect each new Fire Cadet unit to begin operations, following the extra £1.1m of funding from the Mayor?

The Mayor: The expansion of London Fire Brigade (LFB) Fire Cadet units will take place in two tranches.The first tranche in January 2020 will see units opening in Greenwich, Redbridge, Kingston, Hammersmith & Fulham, Barnet, Camden, Wandsworth and Hillingdon. In the second tranche in April 2020, units will open in Enfield, Ealing, Harrow, Hounslow, Sutton, Richmond and the City of London.

Taxi and Private Hire Trade

David Kurten: Does TfL consider a taxi operator to be a fit and proper stakeholder if they are not compliant with the 2006 Companies Act?

The Mayor: Apps that offer taxi services are currently outside of Transport for London’s (TfL) regulatory remit. This is recognised in both the Department for Transport-commissioned Task and Finish Group report on taxi and private hire licensing and the Government’s response to this report.
That being said, it is important that TfL engages with a wide variety of stakeholders from across the taxi and private hire industries. For example, TfL has met with several taxi app operators as part of the annual taxi fares review. It also engages with them on other matters relevant to their operations.
It is TfL’sduty, as the regulatory and licensing authority, to provide opportunities for parties interested in taxi affairs to participate in public consultations or discussions. Not listening to and considering the points raised would be a dereliction of its duty.
TfL also meets with a wide range of other stakeholders on a host of different issues. This includes safety groups, a variety of businesses and vehicle manufacturers to name a few.
However, if you, or one of your constituents, have specific concerns with an individual company I would urge that these are communicated to TfL.

Building homes on NHS land (3)

Onkar Sahota: How many positions in the Strategic Estates Planning Team are currently vacant and when is it expected that these will be filled?

The Mayor: There are currently no vacancies in the London NHS Strategic Estates Planning team. LEDU core team recruitment is underway. Offers of employment have been made to two of the five posts and interviews for the others are taking place currently.

TFL pickpocketing

Susan Hall: Presenting the data by year since 2015/16 and transport type, please provide a breakdown of the number of pickpocketing offences on the TfL estate?

The Mayor: The below table indicates the number of pickpocketing offences across the Transport for London (TfL) network.
London’s transport network is a safe, low crime environment and TfL funds around 3,000 dedicated officers to police the transport network. Around eleven million passengers travel on TfL’s public transport services each day with very few of them ever experiencing or witnessing crime. In 2018/19, there were 4.9 reports of theft for every million passenger journeys made on the London Underground network.
Pickpocketing
Mode
2015/16
2016/17
2017/18
2018/19
LU
3,034
2,532
3,485
5,128
DLR
60
75
104
109
LO
122
120
117
185
Tram
12
12
6
18
Tfl Rail
46
26
38
80
Bus
4,042
3,892
3,861
3,805
Total
7,316
6,657
7,611
9,325
*Increases in offences on TfL rail may be partially due to the increase in the network size.
**As Pickpocketing is not classified as a sub-crime group, Bus crime refers to “Other Theft - Person”. All other modes refer to those using Home Office code J04 as has been done historically.

LFB input into planning applications (2)

Andrew Dismore: How many representations put forward by LFB on planning applications were taken up by the developer and/or planning authority concerned in 2016/17, 2017/18, and 2018/19?

The Mayor: London Fire Brigade (LFB) is not a statutory consultee for planning applications,so the information requested is not available. While LFB is a statutory consultee for building control consultations, it is for the building control body (either Local Authority or Approved Inspector) to provide the final approval. LFB does not hold information on how many of their comments were taken up by the developer and/or the approving authority.

Transparency and Vision Zero: Opening Bus Operator Forum to Public Scrutiny

Caroline Pidgeon: Further to Questions 2017/3862, 2018/0796, 2018/3426and 2019/0463, it is clear that an important reason the Bus Operator Forum meets is to discuss bus safety. Given a decline in bus safety performance coupled with your stated commitment to transparency, will you open up the Bus Operator Forum to public scrutiny by (a) publishing its terms of reference and minutes and (b) allowing participation in these meetings from independent observers, including from the London Assembly Transport Committee and TfL’s Safety, Sustainability and HR Panel?

The Mayor: The London bus safety dashboard over the last four quarters shows an overall improvement in bus safety performance, so it is not true to state there has been a decline in bus safety performance. However, there is clearly much more to do, and Transport for London (TfL) and I are absolutely determined to do everything possible to meet my ambitious Vision Zero targets.
Part of the recent improvement has been driven by providing a forum where TfL and its contracted bus operators can confidentially share business issues and news together. As previously explained, this confidentiality allows open and productive discussions to take place, with the group sharing ideas and strategies with a view to improve the overall service provided. It would, therefore, be counter-productive to make these meetings public.
The forum has no terms of reference and as subjects can be commercially sensitive, the minutes are not published. However, key outcomes and issues needing further discussion are already included in existing reports, board papers and meetings including TfL’s Safety, Sustainability and HR Panel.

Diversity in the firefighter intake

Andrew Dismore: What percentage of a) applicants and b) appointees in the most recent recruitment round were a) BAME and b) women and c) BAME women?

The Mayor: At the last London Fire Brigade firefighter recruitment round there were 6,545 applicants. Of these there were 1,358 BAME applicants (20.75 per cent), 647 women applicants (9.89 per cent) and 163 BAME woman applicants (2.49 per cent). Of the 357 appointees, the number of BAME appointees was 31 (8.68%), 41 women appointees (11.48%) and 4 (1.12%) BAME women appointees. The current recruitment round has seen a further 650 applications and provides greater encouragement with 40% of applicants from BAME groups and 30% female.

London Plan density policy (1)

Steve O'Connell: Your answer to Question 2019/8974 relating to the Policy D6 using a “design-led-approach” does not provide a detailed methodology to evaluate “Site Context” or a methodology to evaluate the “Capacity of Supporting Infrastructure” or a methodology to evaluate the “Planned Connectivity by Walking, Cycling and Public Transport Availability”. These contributing factors are vague and subjective parameter descriptions which would be extremely difficult to define whether a proposal was acceptable or unacceptable as there are no conclusive definitions of the parameters contributing to this “Design-led-approach” criterion or for the analysis of these factors which could indicate whether a proposal was acceptable or otherwise for a specific development proposal at a specific location.
The NPPF para 122 requires Development Plans to take account of the availability and capacity of infrastructure and services and at para 16 d) requires Development Plans should contain policies that are clearly written and unambiguous, so it is evident how a decision maker should react to development proposals.
Policy D6 does not meet these requirements.
If it is necessary to produce a detailed supplementary planning guidance to accompany the Plan to provide additional detail on how to effectively optimise the capacity of sites by following the design-led approach, then this is proof that the Policy D6 as stated is inadequate for applicants to establish a suitable proposal of appropriate housing and residential densities for a locality.
How does an applicant establish an appropriate suitable density for a proposed development at a given locality?
And how can community groups assess the acceptability of such proposals?

The Mayor: As with the previous Mayor’s Plan, my policy requires development proposals to take account of a range of contextual factors to arrive at an appropriate density. I consider the policy to be clear and comprehensible for both professionals and community groups. However, it is inevitable that there will be an element of subjectivity for decision-makers when balancing a range of relevant strategic and local policy considerations.
Given the vast diversity of built form, accessibility and infrastructure capacities across London it is impractical for a regional strategic policy to establish the appropriate density of any given development site using a precise set of metrics.
My draft Plan provides more opportunities for community groups to shape the development process as it advocates for boroughs to establish the optimum development capacity of allocated development sites in their local plans.

Transport Strategy – Step-free access (1)

Navin Shah: As part of the Mayor’s Transport Strategy, an ambitious aim is to improve step-free access to 40% of the Tube network by 2022. As this was a target set of off the existing figure of 26% of the network, what percentage of the network is currently step-free?

The Mayor: I announced the creation of my step-free access programme in December 2016, to deliver the largest boost to accessibility in the Tube’s history. At that time 26 per cent of the Tube network had step-free access. Since then, eight stations have become step-free, bringing the total to 78, including vital interchange stations such as Tottenham Court Road, Bond Street, Victoria and Finsbury Park. Twenty-eight per cent of the network is now step free.
I previously announced 15 stations will be made step-free by Spring 2020. Three of those have already been delivered, and the remaining 12 are on track to be completed by Spring 2020.
A further six stations were originally going to be delivered by Spring 2022. Due to the lack of certainty around capital investment from Government, some projects and priorities have had to be adapted and TfL now expects to complete the delivery of these six stations by Spring 2024, bringing the total percentage of tube step-free access to at least 38 per cent.
TfL is continuing to explore opportunities with developers and third parties to secure additional funding and introduce step-free access at more stations.

Link between Former Kodak site & Wealdstone Shopping District

Navin Shah: What requirements has the Mayor put on Network Rail, if any, to liaise with Harrow Council regarding access underneath the railway line from the new housing development, at the former Kodak site, to the Wealdstone shopping district in Harrow?

The Mayor: Talks are underway with Network Rail to build the case and secure funding for a crossing over the railway at the site. Transport for London (TfL) is providing the London Borough of Harrow with design advice to assist the process.
The 2013 Harrow & Wealdstone Area Action Plan indicates a ‘potential bridge’ rather than an underpass and TfL continues to support this approach. Additionally, advice by TfL on the housing proposal for the former Kodak land adjacent to the railway, emphasises the need for compliance and connectivity in line with my objectives for Healthy Streets and Vision Zero.

Harrow & Wealdstone Station Car Park (1)

Navin Shah: We understand that some discussions are taking place regarding the scope of the existing car park serving Harrow & Wealdstone station. Can you confirm what conversations the Mayor has had with Network Rail, if any, regarding the potential to increase in the size of the car park?

The Mayor: There are no discussions taking place about increasing the size of the car park at Harrow and Wealdstone station. My Transport Strategy and the draft London Plan set out a number of proposals that promote more sustainable means of travel in all parts of London. These include improved public realm and cycling facilities as well as better bus connections and a reduction in the level of private car use. To help achieve this, TfL will be reducing, rather than increasing, car parking spaces across London and encouraging sustainable alternatives.

Tube Noise – Ashburnham Avenue, Harrow On The Hill

Navin Shah: In the last two years or so I’ve persistently raised questions with you and direct with TfL to get support for a number of local residents of Ashburnham Road for effective remedial measures from well demonstrated tube noise arising from track changes. I’m pleased that TfL has recently made some progress towards procedures for procuring contractors with right ‘products’ to deal with the noise issue. May I urge your intervention in this matter to speed up the process to ensure that acoustic barriers are in place sooner than later?

The Mayor: I have urged Transport for London (TfL) to continue to investigate a resolution as a matter of urgency.
I understand that TfL contacted you last month to advise you that it is in discussions with potential suppliers for an acoustic barrier. I have asked TfL to ensure that both you and local residents are provided with a further update by the end of this month.

Metropolitan Line, Harrow On The Hill

Navin Shah: I travelled from Harrow On the Hill station on Southbound Met Line train on Wednesday 14th May around 8am. The train was packed at this peak time but to our disbelief three sets of doors were defective and did not open. The train was allowed to run till we got to Wembley Park station – when they decided to take it out of service. This posed a serious safety and means of escape issue causing chaos and congestion. No explanation was given to the commuters for this occurrence. Can you please explain how common this occurrence is and why the faulty train was not terminated at Harrow On The Hill and allowed to run for a further 3 three stations. Was the problem associated with age of the stock and can you assure that this is not a common problem with Met Line and rest of the other underground trains?

The Mayor: I apologise for the disruption to your journey. The incident took place because of a defect to the door system. The fault was fixed and the train re-entered service at 08:58.
The train was not taken out of service immediately because a train technician was on board attempting to rectify the fault while it travelled to Wembley Park. During this time, Transport for London (TfL) was confident that customers were able to walk safely between cars and to leave and board the train. Running the train to Wembley Park provided customers with the option to change to the Jubilee line to continue their journey. At Wembley Park there were also more members of staff available to assist customers.
The walk-through S-stock trains have been in service since 2010 and are used on the Metropolitan, District, Circle and Hammersmith & City lines. The defect is not common. From 1 April 2018 to 25 May 2019, there have been 12 incidents recorded on the Metropolitan line where the doors failed to open at stations. On average this equates to a low failure rate of one incident every 35 days. This is similar to rates experienced across the rest of the network.

Bus crime in Croydon

Steve O'Connell: For each of the years 2016/17, 2017/18 and 2018/19, how many crimes have been committed on buses in Croydon by crime type?

The Mayor: The below table indicates the number of crimes on buses in the London Borough of Croydon, broken down by year and crime type.
Croydon
Crime Type
2016/17
2017/18
2018/19
Burglary
3
3
1
Criminal Damage
57
28
14
Drugs
3
2
2
Fraud or Forgery
1
0
0
Other Notifiable Offences
6
5
8
Robbery
64
61
57
Sexual Offences
28
28
23
Theft and Handling
175
119
148
Violence Against the Person
274
265
211
Total
611
511
464
*’Violence Against the Person’ is a grouping of a number of offences which include: Serious Wounding, Assault with Injury, Common Assault such as pushing and shoving; harassment and Other Violence. The majority of offences in this category are made up of the last three offences.

Transport Strategy – Step-free access (2)

Navin Shah: As part of the Accessibility Implementation Plan, a target for delivery of 25 step-free tube stations was set from 2020-2025 and a further 15 from 2025-2030, have these tube stations been identified? Please give us a list.

The Mayor: Transport for London (TfL) continues to deliver the step-free access programme, which runs until 2024. Stations to be made step-free by 2020 are Amersham, Harrow-on-the-Hill, Cockfosters, Mill Hill East, Osterley, Burnt Oak, Debden, Northolt, Sudbury Hill, Wimbledon Park, Hanger Lane and Ickenham. Their completion by 2020 will mean that more than a third of the Tube network will be step-free.
A second tranche of six stations that are part of my accessibility programme will be made step-free by Spring 2024. They are Boston Manor, Ruislip, North Ealing, Snaresbrook, Park Royal and Rickmansworth.
Step-free access work is progressing at vital interchanges like Bank. The Northern line extension will provide another two new step-free stations at Nine Elms and Battersea Power Station. All 41 Elizabeth line stations will be step-free.
TfL will confirm any further rollout of step-free upgrades when the level of capital investment funding from Government is more certain.

Young-onset dementia

Onkar Sahota: As part of a dementia-friendly city, has the Mayor made any assessment of working with London’s universities and law firms to explore the possibility of providing a London Dementia Law and Advice Clinic, similar to the service run in Manchester?

The Mayor: I understand that the Alzheimer’s Society has discussions planned with the Manchester Dementia Law Clinic on how to extend the reach of its model to London and indeed nationally. I am keen to support this important work to support people with dementia as part of Dementia-Friendly London.

101 charges

Tony Devenish: Will you commit to lobby to remove 101 phone charges in London

The Mayor: I welcome the Home Secretary’s announcement that the police non-emergency 101 number will become free of charge to the public and paid for by the Home Office.
All efforts should be made to ensure the police are as easily accessible as possible and it is right that this charge is dropped.

New LFB equipment

Andrew Dismore: What items of newly available, under development, or experimental equipment is the LFB currently evaluating or expects to evaluate in the current financial year?

The Mayor: London Fire Brigade (LFB) is currently evaluating the use of drones to support improved situational awareness. Positive Pressure Ventilation (PPV) and Ultra High-Pressure Lance (UHPL) based technologies are under evaluation and misting branch technology and a Scorpion fire engine are also scheduled for evaluation this year, all of which involve innovative ways of managing fires without having to enter the fire compartment, which improves firefighter safety. ‘PVStop’, the liquid polymer in a fire extinguisher used to isolate the energy from solar panels in an emergency, is currently being evaluated on LFB’s aerial fleet. For breathing apparatus (BA), LFB is evaluating powered clear speech diaphragms to improve communications both between crew members and the public. LFB is also evaluating new cylinder types and durations, which could reduce the weight and improve the duration of BA use.

On-Route Magazine for Taxi Drivers

David Kurten: How many TfL licensed drivers do TfL e-mail weekly with the On-Route Magazine?

The Mayor: OnRoute is Transport for London’s (TfL’s) taxi and private hire trade magazine. It is not sent to drivers on a weekly basis as it is produced several times a year.
When a new issue is published on TfL’s website, an email containing a link to the magazine is sent in a weekly email to drivers.
The weekly email contains news and up to date information of relevance to the industries, including roads and travel information. The email is sent to approximately 150,000 licensees who have provided TfL with their email address. The recipients comprise of private hire vehicle (PHV) owners, PHV drivers, PHV operators, taxi drivers and taxi vehicle owners for whom TfL has an email address for.
Previous issues of OnRoute are available on TfL’s website: www.tfl.gov.uk/info-for/taxis-and-private-hire/driver-news-and-updates.

Secondary engines for transport refrigeration

Caroline Russell: According to the Transport for London (TfL) study on non-exhaust vehicular emissions, Auxiliary temperature reduction units in the Greater London area, published in March 2018, 3,500 refrigerated delivery trucks on London roads have secondary engines that use red diesel, which emit 4.5 times more NOx and 30 times more PM than tailpipe diesel emissions. What specific actions have you taken to address this?

The Mayor: TfL remains actively involved in cutting edge research to develop a robust, representative and cost-effective methodology for measuring the energy consumption and emissions performance of refrigerated commercial vehicles.TfL, via the LoCITY (www.locity.org.uk) network, is also working directly with operators to understand current barriers to deployment, and to promote the use of cleaner auxiliary power units where possible.
My recently launched Freight & Servicing Action Plan (March 2019) commits TfL to working with boroughs and businesses to transform how deliveries are made in the capital. A reduction in the number of vehicles entering the Greater London Area will help address the impact auxiliary temperature reduction units are having on air quality. Increased efficiency can be achieved through the use of pvc strip curtains across doorways, certified driver training and the mandated use of cleaner diesel, which will require policy changes at a national level. For that reason, as I state in my London Environment Strategy, I will continue to lobby for the appropriate tax treatment of rebated ‘red’ diesel, so that a switch to cleaner or alternative fuel is financially incentivised.

Carbon footprint of reusable vs disposable nappies

Caroline Russell: Has the London Waste and Recycling Board carried out a carbon footprint analysis of reusable nappies compared to single-use disposable nappies? If not, will you?

The Mayor: In my London Environment Strategy, I have focussed on reducing the carbon impact of waste by setting an Emissions Performance Standard for local authority waste activities. This addresses the major sources of lifecycle carbon emissions of waste and promotes the most carbon effective routes for waste treatment. As nappies make up a smaller proportion of household waste than dry recyclables or food waste LWARB, who act in conformity with my Strategy, are focusing on waste reduction and the recycling of core materials alongside supporting SMEs to develop reusable and recyclable products.
The London Environment Strategy also states that waste authorities generating energy from waste must meet a separate emissions performance known as the Carbon Intensity Floor (CIF). Meeting the CIF ensures that energy from waste facilities should only manage truly non-recyclable waste and maximise the use of both the heat and power generated.

Reusable nappies (2)

Caroline Russell: In response to recommendation two of the London Assembly Environment Committee report, Single-use plastic: Unflushables you said: “LWARB’s Resource London programme already encourages boroughs to promote and introduce local reusable nappy schemes.” Can you list any specific actions that you have taken to support real reusable nappies, or ones planned for future programmes?

The Mayor: London produces too much waste and our recycling rates need to increase significantly. To tackle this we need to focus on cutting the main sources of waste as well as focusing on increasing recycling rates of the main waste streams. That’s why I have set a target to reduce food waste by 50 per cent per person by 2030, as well as a requirement for waste authorities to deliver a minimum level of service for household recycling by 2020, including collections of the six main dry materials from all properties and separate weekly food waste from kerbside properties. Nappies make up a smaller proportion of household waste than dry recyclables or food waste.
However, I am working with boroughs to promote all waste reduction and as part of my London Environment Strategy, all boroughs are required to submit a Reduction and Recycling Plan (RRP) by 2020. These will demonstrate how boroughs will reduce waste and make an effective contribution to my London-wide recycling targets. Actions that reduce the use of disposable products are encouraged where satisfactory alternatives are available.
A number of RRPs received to date have described how boroughs are promoting reusable nappies and my officers are supporting this approach.
LWARB’s Advance London project has six businesses in its cohort that aim to address the nappies, wipes and sanitary products waste streams. This project provides business support and advice to these businesses to aid their impact in the marketplace.
However, if there are reusable nappies SMEs that are looking for business support I would encourage them to apply directly to Advance London via https://www.advancelondon.org/advisory/apply-now/.

Reusable nappies (1)

Caroline Russell: In answer to question 2019/8934 you said that through the Advance London programme, the London Waste and Recycling Board have supported Nappy Zap, an on-demand waste collection service for households and Gcycle, a company producing free nappies that are then recycled or used for power and fuel. Do you intend to extend the same level of promotion to companies supplying reusable nappies?

The Mayor: London produces too much waste and our recycling rates need to increase significantly. To tackle this we need to focus on cutting the main sources of waste as well as focusing on increasing recycling rates of the main waste streams. That’s why I have set a target to reduce food waste by 50 per cent per person by 2030, as well as a requirement for waste authorities to deliver a minimum level of service for household recycling by 2020, including collections of the six main dry materials from all properties and separate weekly food waste from kerbside properties. Nappies make up a smaller proportion of household waste than dry recyclables or food waste.
However, I am working with boroughs to promote all waste reduction and as part of my London Environment Strategy, all boroughs are required to submit a Reduction and Recycling Plan (RRP) by 2020. Through these boroughs demonstrate how they will reduce waste and make an effective contribution to my London-wide recycling targets. Actions that reduce the use of disposable products are encouraged where satisfactory alternatives are available.
LWARB’s Advance London project currently has six businesses that aim to address the nappies, wipes and sanitary products waste streams. However, if there are reusable nappies SMEs that are looking for business support I would encourage them to apply directly to Advance London via https://www.advancelondon.org/advisory/apply-now/.

Incontinence products

Caroline Russell: The London Assembly Environment Committee report, Single-use plastic: Unflushables, published in August 2018, showed that the number of single-use adult incontinence products has grown by over 50 per cent in the last five years. Does the London Waste and Recycling Board (LWRB) specifically encourage boroughs to promote reusable incontinence products? If not, will you consider this?

The Mayor: London produces too much waste and our recycling rates need to increase significantly. To tackle this we need to focus on cutting the main sources of waste as well as focusing on increasing recycling rates of the main waste streams. That’s why I have set a target to reduce food waste by 50 per cent per person by 2030, as well as a requirement for waste authorities to deliver a minimum level of service for household recycling by 2020, including collections of the six main dry materials from all properties and separate weekly food waste from kerbside properties. Incontinence products, in comparison, make up a small proportion of household waste.
However, I am working with boroughs to promote all waste reduction and as part of my London Environment Strategy, all boroughs are required to submit a Reduction and Recycling Plan (RRP) by 2020. These will demonstrate how boroughs will reduce waste and make an effective contribution to my London-wide recycling targets. Actions that reduce the use of disposable products are encouraged where satisfactory alternatives are available.
The London Waste and Recycling Board (LWARB) are not currently promoting reusable incontinence products specifically. LWARB's Advance London project has six businesses in its cohort that aim to address the nappies, wipes and sanitary products waste streams. However, if there are reusable incontinence products SMEs that are looking for business support I would encourage them to apply directly to Advance London via https://www.advancelondon.org/advisory/apply-now/.
See also my response to Mayor's Question 2019/12016.

Platform edge doors on the Northern Line

Caroline Pidgeon: I understand that TfL has no plans to install platform edge doors at the new Nine Elms and Battersea London Underground stations on the grounds that they are not in use on the rest of the Northern Line. Is it not possible to install platform edge doors at specific stations along a London Underground line as is the case on the Jubilee Line?

The Mayor: The platforms at Nine Elms and Battersea on the Northern Line Extension have been designed with provision for Platform Edge Doors (PEDs) to be installed in the future if required. The most likely time Transport for London (TfL) would introduce PEDs would be when the Northern line fleet is replaced and the design of the new fleet can be developed with a specification to interface with a PED system, as was the case with the Jubilee Line Extension in the mid-1990s.
PEDs are not the only solution to detecting or preventing obstacles or trespassers on the tracks intrusion and TfL is keeping options and technological advancements under review in collaboration with other Metros around the world.

Crossrail Cost and Completion

Navin Shah: Recent reports suggest that according to Mr Wild Bond Street station completion will take eighteen months to two years. Can you confirm that Crossrail completion will be two years late and the cost has escalated to £17.6 billion? Can you please confirm the new completion date for Crossrail and are you confident that the project will be completed within the current cost figure (£17.6billion)?

The Mayor: Crossrail Ltd has announced an opening window for the central section of October 2020 – March 2021. Crossrail has said this window will narrow as work progresses and that it expects Bond Street station to open within months of the central section opening.
Crossrail has also said it expects to deliver the central section works within the funding package agreed with the Government last December.

Presumption Against Development

Navin Shah: The previous London Plan Policy 3.5 includes provision for boroughs to introduce a presumption against development on back gardens or other private residential gardens where this can be locally justified. Which boroughs have introduced such a presumption?

The Mayor: My Planning Team comments on all boroughs' emerging local plans to ensure they are in general conformity with the London Plan. The adopted London Plan provides for boroughs to introduce a presumption against development on back gardens or other private residential gardens through their local plans, where locally justified. As this is not an issue of conformity with the London Plan, the Planning Team does not have a record of which boroughs' local plans include a presumption against development on back gardens or other private residential gardens.

Domestic Abuse – Brent Council’s Initiative

Navin Shah: Brent Council has introduced a scheme involving trained domestic workers specialising in – ‘non-crime’ reports to tackle domestic abuse. This has helped to achieve 9% drop in domestic violence injuries in Brent and an increase of 7% in the number of people reporting crimes. The available information suggests clear benefits it can provide in tackling sharp rise in domestic homicides across London. Can the Mayor look at this scheme and see if it can be promoted to other London Boroughs?

The Mayor: My officers are aware of this scheme and host the quarterly VAWG Coordinators meeting which acts as a platform to share and disseminate work that is being done in each London borough to address VAWG including domestic abuse.
Borough representatives from all London boroughs are invited to attend this and update partners on their work including any best practice and findings such as these.We will ensure Brent are invited to this to attend and discuss the benefits of this scheme and promote it to the other London boroughs.

New Builds on Residential Gardens (2)

Navin Shah: In 2010 the Government reclassified gardens so they were no longer brownfield land. What effect did this decision have on the number of new homes being built on residential gardens?

The Mayor: The data available show a relatively consistent rate of completions of homes on garden land between 2008-2017.

New Builds on Residential Gardens (1)

Navin Shah: How many new homes were built on residential gardens between 2008 and 2019? Please give break down by financial year.

The Mayor: The London Development Database (LDD) provides information on residential development in London. The LDD has not historically recorded if development has taken place on garden land, so a proxy measure is used. The table below provides the available information, which runs up to and including financial year 2017.

Extensions on Residential Gardens (2)

Navin Shah: In May 2013 changes came into force to allow permitted development for home extensions. How many such permitted developments have there been since? Please give break down by financial year.

The Mayor: Permitted development, by its nature, does not require planning permission, so this information is not recorded systematically through the planning system.

Extensions on Residential Gardens (1)

Navin Shah: How many home extensions were built on residential gardens between 2008 and 2019? Please give break down by financial year.

The Mayor: The London Development Database does not record home extensions, so this data is not available.

Taxi Driver - Depression

Keith Prince: How many Licenced Taxi Drivers have had their licences revoked or suspended due to depression, anxiety or any other mental health condition in the years, 2014-2018. Please provide an annual breakdown.

The Mayor: Please see my response to Mayor's Question 2019/8907.
Transport for London (TfL) would expect licensees to seek help for any medical condition at the earliest stage possible, to ensure it is treated. In the vast majority of cases, if medical help is sought and the condition is treatable, it is unlikely that TfL will need to take licencing action. Licensing action will only be taken if there is a risk to the travelling public or indeed the licensee – in line with DVLA group 2 medical standards.
Mental health illnesses, including depression and anxiety, are serious conditions that require treatment - no-one should suffer in silence. Alongside TfL, I would urge any taxi or private hire driver to seek help and support at the earliest opportunity if they are experiencing depression or anxiety so they can receive appropriate treatment and support. With the right treatment, it is unlikely that a driver would not continue to meet DVLAGroup2 Medical Guidelines but TfL would ultimately need to assess drivers in their capacity as a regulator to ensure passengers safety.

Calculating Play and Informal Recreation Space for Children and Young People

Nicky Gavron: Following my MQT last month, I wish to check how up to date is the GLA website and data for the Child Yield Calculator. Currently, when one goes to the GLA website to access SPG on Play and Informal Recreation Space for Children and Young People, it gives you a link to access the datastore for the 2017 Population Yield Calculator. Within the Population Yield Calculator, one is able to access the Child Yield Calculator. Could you please confirm that the child play space requirement calculator has been updated from the 2012 version, and is now consistent with the 2017 Population Yield Calculator?

The Mayor: I can confirm that the GLA website and data for the Population Yield Calculator are fully up to date. My Planning and Demography teams have now completed user updates to the GLA Population Yield Calculator and its methodology and have published this on the GLA Datastore. We have also updated all links to the calculator on the play and informal recreation webpage on the GLA website to make sure users can access and use the latest version.

Role to rank

Andrew Dismore: Is role to rank on track to be implemented by 2021?

The Mayor: The Role-to-Rank project is on track to go live on 15 October 2019.

Demand on fire safety inspection officers (1)

Andrew Dismore: How many hours of overtime has been logged by LFB’s fire safety inspection officers in 2016/17, 2017/18, and 2018/19?

The Mayor: The number of overtime hours logged by Fire Safety Inspecting Officers over the last three years is: 2016/17 – 132 hours, 2017/18 – 973 hours and 2018/19 – 446 hours.The increase in the last two years is largely due to activity reviewing safety in high rise buildings following the Grenfell Tower fire.

Catalytic Convertor

Leonie Cooper: Thank you for your response to my previous MQ2019 6233 on Catalytic Convertor Theft. Please can you provide me with the number of thefts of catalytic converters from cars in 2018 for each of the 32 boroughs separately? Please provide this in excel format.

The Mayor: Please see the attached appendix which includes information provided by the MPS. This is a count of all theft from motor vehicles where the property taken was a catalytic converterduring 2018.

Thrive and Young Carers

Jennette Arnold: How does Thrive LDN support young carers?

The Mayor: Thrive LDN is a citywide movement to improve the mental health and wellbeing of all Londoners. Through Young London Inspired, Thrive LDN, working in partnership with Team London, fund projects that support young people who may be disproportionately at risk of poor mental health, including young carers. In March 2019, two grants were awarded to organisations supporting young carers in the boroughs of Barking and Dagenham and Merton.
Thrive LDN also supported an event held at City Hall in January by Our Time, highlighting the impact of parental mental illness on children and young people, and intend to raise awareness of the challenges young carers face through their continued campaigning work.

Cars turning from Upper Richmond Road SW15 into Dryburgh Road SW15

Leonie Cooper: Will TfL introduce a CCTV camera to monitor cars turning from Upper Richmond Road SW15 into Dryburgh Road SW15, a turn that is banned during the morning rush hour, due to the danger to the large number of school children walking to primary school?

The Mayor: The ‘no entry’ restriction into Dryburgh Road, operational between 7 and 10am, Monday to Friday, is currently enforced by CCTV via a camera on the A205 Upper Richmond Road by Colinette Road. Between 1 April and 17 May 2019, Transport for London (TfL) issued 359 Penalty Charge Notices to vehicles that contravened the restriction. TfL has identified that SatNav devices are not recognising the restriction and it will be writing to suppliers to rectify this.

Replacement Buses on the Gospel Oak to Barking Line

Jennette Arnold: The replacement bus service for the Gospel Oak to Barking line is ineffectively slow. Please explain what is being done to reassess this service and consider how to make it more useful to my constituents.

The Mayor: Transport for London (TfL) has now introduced two new electric trains on the Gospel Oak to Barking line. The new trains have boosted capacity and reliability on the line, allowing TfL to run additional services on weekdays and weekends, to enhance the service provided by the modified electric trains. Additionally, the new trains can carry nearly 700 people, double the capacity of the old diesel trains.
TfL has, therefore, ceased running supplementary buses as there is no longer a demand for this service.

Published Service on the Gospel Oak to Barking Line

Jennette Arnold: When will the published service resume on Gospel Oak to Barking line?

The Mayor: Two new four-car electric trains entered passenger service on the Gospel Oak to Barking line on Thursday 23 May 2019. This was the first, but significant step towards returning the service on this line to the regular timetable of four trains per hour, boosting capacity and reliability.
More trains will be put into service over the coming weeks and TfL expects that the regular timetable of four trains per hour will be restored later this summer.

City Fringe Low Emission Neighbourhood

Jennette Arnold: Please provide an update on City Fringe Low Emission Neighbourhood and how it will impact positively on my constituents in Hackney.

The Mayor: A Low Emission Neighbourhood delivers a range of targeted interventions in pollution hotspots to cut emissions, as well as to encourage walking and cycling. The City Fringe Low Emission Neighbourhood (LEN) in Shoreditch has delivered the following:
This is benefitting Hackney residents and businesses by:

Skills strategy

Leonie Cooper: What progress has been made with the skills strategy a year on?

The Mayor: I am pleased to report that good progress has been made against the commitments made in the strategy.
From the 1st of August I will take responsibility for the £311m per annum Adult Education Budget, which is an important first step toward creating a single, integrated skills and adult education offer for London to deliver a more strategic, whole-system approach to post-16 skills.
I have launched a range of skills programmes, including the Digital Talent programme, the Mayor’s Construction Academy, and the Skills for Londoners Capital Fund.I have also undertaken the first pan-London review of post 16 Special Educational Needs and Disability provision.
In addition, I have commissioned and undertaken research and analysis on contextual skills challenges from basic to higher level skills. Building on the Skills Strategy, City Hall is working with London Councils to develop a skills and employment vision setting out London’s ambitions for future powers and funding. This will include an approach to the delivery of inclusive growth, raising productivity, creating more opportunities for Londoners, and building stronger communities. It will also form the basis of the People section of London’s Local Industrial Strategy.

Sustainable jobs

Leonie Cooper: What action are you taking to provide the skills Londoners need to undertake the low-carbon and sustainable jobs of the future?

The Mayor: As London transitions to a low carbon circular economy, new business models and technology will create new jobs and opportunities. I want to ensure that London makes a fair transition and Londoners have the skills to access the opportunities that are created. This will be further set out in my forthcoming Local Industrial Strategy.
From August this year, I will be responsible for the £311m Adult Education Budget, providing Londoners with the skills needed to progress into further learning and work. As part of this, I will be working with providers to ensure that AEB provision is responsive to industry needs, and the Skills for Londoners Innovation Fund will include support for innovative approaches addressing sector priorities.
From 2020/21 I am also introducing the Universal Basic Digital Skills Entitlement, giving Londoners the digital skills they need to thrive in a changing labour market. The London Skills and Employment Knowledge Hub, an online platform, will also help Londoners make informed choices about sustainable jobs and careers.

Brexit cost to London’s economy

Leonie Cooper: What has been the cost to London’s economy due to the uncertainty of Brexit since the EU referendum in June 2016?

The Mayor: Analysis and data at the London level examining the impact of Brexit uncertainty on the capital’s economy is limited and time-delayed. At the UK level the Office for Budget Responsibility has stated that since the Referendum trade intensity, net inward migration, business investment and productivity growth has been weaker than would have otherwise have been the case. It references studies that UK output in mid-2018 is around 2 to 2½ per cent lower than it would have been in the absence of the referendum.
The prolongation of the Article 50 process extends the period of uncertainty, and growth continues to be below the previous trend both nationally and in London. Longer-term economic outcomes will ultimately depend on the UK’s future relationship with the EU. Several analyses, including the independent study I published in January 2018, have highlighted the significant costs associated with hard-Brexit scenarios in particular.

Tube noise near South Wimbledon station (2)

Leonie Cooper: Can I please be given an urgent update on works to reduce tube noise for Northern line travellers, as they travel south from South Wimbledon tube station?

The Mayor: Transport for London (TfL) is continuing to trial methods of reducing in-carriage noise, including under-rail pads, and a rail damping system, at priority sites. Further assessments are due to be carried out by autumn 2019. Comprehensive testing of all new technology is a vital part of delivering a safe tube network, which is TfL’s priority.
If these measures prove effective, they could be rolled-out to areas of the network including South Wimbledon.

Tube noise near South Wimbledon station (1)

Leonie Cooper: Can I please be given an urgent update on works to reduce tube noise for residents near South Wimbledon station, who continue to suffer excessively?

The Mayor: Transport for London (TfL) is committed to reducing the noise experienced by people who live above or close to the Tube and will continue to take all reasonable measures to minimise noise and limit the disruption it causes.
TfL has carried out a number of works in this area, including the installation of resilient track fastenings, grouting loose sleepers and removing redundant rail joints. Further work is planned to upgrade the Northern line to a more modern track form in this area. This work is expected to be completed by August 2019, and I have asked TfL to keep you updated on progress.

Skills for Londoners

Leonie Cooper: How will you ensure there is increased diversity and a reduction in stereotypes in apprenticeships and work placements, in your latest round of funding?

The Mayor: The Skills for Londoners Capital Fund (SfLCF) Round 2 prospectus sought to bring forward projects where modernisation or rationalisation of facilities increases the diversity and equality of opportunity for learners. Projects needed to highlight how they would reduce disability, gender and race employment gaps and commit to key outputs, including additional apprenticeship starts and work placements, as well as providing physical benefits to harness more socially-accessible, inclusively-designed learning spaces.
My team has ensured increased diversity through our robust appraisal process, which identified bids demonstrating the greatest potential to deliver impactful, empowering opportunities for learners. Moving forward we will monitor build progress to ensure timely completion, before capturing outputs annually, working with providers and the GLA Skills and Employment unit to scrutinise and remediate in any cases of underperformance, and evaluating projects to assess the quality and implement any lessons learnt.
By increasing the geographic reach of our investment, stimulating an increase in the creation of learning and employment pathways for priority industries where BAME and female learners are heavily under-represented (STEM, construction, digital and technical) and lowering barriers to participation, the programme will counter negative stereotypes in apprenticeship and work placement uptake, ensuring better integration of learners reflective of London’s diversity.

Decarbonised Heat

Leonie Cooper: How are you supporting decarbonised heat for existing as well as new homes in London?

The Mayor: My London Environment Strategy, the supporting 1.5ºC compatible Climate Action Plan and the new London Plan sets the policy framework for how London will become zero carbon by 2050. My Climate Action Plan highlights the essential role that renewable technologies, such as heat pumps, and district heat networks play in decarbonising heat.
I have been calling on the Government to set out their strategy for decarbonising heat and establish the supporting policy and regulatory framework that will be required to deliver it. This must include the important role of energy efficiency retrofit in supporting the roll out of heat pumps and low carbon heat networks.
In the meantime, I have established a number of programmes that support the decarbonisation of heat in existing buildings through retrofitting them to reduce heat demand and installing low carbon heat sources and connections. My Decentralised Energy Enabling Programme is supporting London boroughs and other stakeholders to develop and deliver low carbon heat networks to supply new and existing buildings with low carbon heat. The new London Plan will also drive the decarbonisation of heat in new buildings and the development of heat networks.

Willesden Green Station – Staffing

Navin Shah: In response to my question 2019/9306, for the customer facing app:
• Can you specify the features that will be available to customers upon release of the app?
• Can you specify the roadmap for this app?

The Mayor: Transport for London (TfL) is still exploring options for the app. No decisions have been made on the features and functionality that would be made available to customers.

Tackling far-right extremism (3)

Sian Berry: What training and work programmes are currently in place to support Metropolitan Police Service officers working in local communities and ward teams to tackle and prevent racist and religious hate crime and far-right extremism?

The Mayor: Hate crime training is given to all MPS staff on recruitment and throughout their career.
Organisations such as GALOP, Tell MAMA and CST work closely with the MPS and provide bespoke training to BCU staff. Each BCU is provided with specialist support from the central hate crime and Counter Terrorism Strategic Engagement Teams,providing quality assurance,advice andsupport to local teams.
The MPS’s central hate crime team reviews every hate crime flagged daily and works closely with counter-terrorism (CT) officers to share intelligence of any form of extremism. The CT Strategic Engagement Team (SET) have a dedicated Domestic Extremism (DE) desk that links directly into BCUs, enabling two-way intelligence sharing, and a daily helpline for frontline officers requiring advice. A weekly community tension report is also shared with BCUs providing insight on far-right extremism and community impact assessments.
Partnership working with Nescot FE College has led to the development of NCFE Level 2 Prevent and Safeguarding qualifications (which includes DE content) with over 150 staff completing specialist knowledge across the MPS. The CT Strategic Engagement Team provide targeted training inputs to raise frontline awareness of DE, as well as delivering input at community group presentation days.

Reducing plastic in supermarkets

Fiona Twycross: What is your view of Waitrose’s trial to reduce plastic packaging in their Oxford store, and will you encourage other supermarkets in London to follow suit if successful?

The Mayor: I fully support the Waitrose trial to reduce plastic packaging, where customers can fill their own containers with products from dispensers. This innovative approach, pioneered by some of London’s small businesses, rolled out at scale could have a significant effect on reducing the amount of plastic packaging from supermarkets. I would encourage all supermarkets to follow suit if the trial is successful.

Poverty in London

Fiona Twycross: The Chancellor recently rejected the levels of poverty in the UK, described in the UN report, saying “I reject the idea that there are vast numbers of people facing dire poverty in this country.”What should the Chancellor be doing to eradicate the levels of poverty seen in London as a result of austerity policies?

The Mayor: The Chancellor’s recent comments demonstrate just how out-of-touch the Government is with the reality of life in the UK. Their own data shows that there are currently 2.4 million Londoners, including 700,000 children, living in poverty – a fact that makes his rejection even more staggering.
To turn the tide on poverty in London the Chancellor must acknowledge the devasting impact of austerity and urgently start reinvesting in vital front-line services that have been cut to the bone. He must boost local government funding to ensure that boroughs can provide support for Londoners in crisis, and to tackle in-work poverty, he should raise the National Living Wage to match the cost of living.
To ensure a genuine safety-net exists for Londoners when they need it, he must increase spending on the welfare system. He can start by immediately ending the freeze to working-age benefits and increasing them in-line with inflation.

Housing and pensions

Fiona Twycross: Do you agree that the Communities Secretary James Brokenshire’s comments, that people should dip into their pensions to use as a deposit on a house, are irresponsible and will lead to pensioner poverty in the future?

The Mayor: I agree that the Secretary of State’s suggestion is irresponsible: the rules around pension pots are there for a good reason and I hope his proposal goes no further. It shows he doesn’t understand the lives of ordinary Londoners, for whom the lack of deposit is just one of many barriers to home ownership, and who may well have built up very limited pension wealth.

Live Facial Recognition (2)

Caroline Pidgeon: What was the consent from the public for their ‘trial’ participation in the use of Live Facial Recognition?

The Mayor: The MPS worked to ensure that the people in the trial areas were aware of the trials taking place. In line with the recommendations of the London Policing Ethics Panel (LPEP) report into the trials, unwillingness to participate was not in itself considered suspicious.

Record of the Night Czar (1)

Caroline Pidgeon: Please set out the specific activities that were undertaken by your Night Czar to seek to prevent the closure of (a) Club 414, Coldharbour Lane, and (b) Block South/The Bloc in Vauxhall.

The Mayor: The Night Czar has engaged with Club 414 on at least 15 occasions in the last two years. She has met the owners, Lambeth Council, MP Helen Hayes and the venue’s landlord with the aim to mediate a solution for the venue to remain open including convening a roundtable when the venue faced redevelopment in October 2017. As a result, the venue successfully secured Asset of Community Value status. The owners have taken the difficult decision to close the venue at its current location and the Night Czar is working with them to find new premises.
The Night Czar has had regular contact with the owner of LGBT+ venue Bloc South. She wrote to Lambeth Council in support of Bloc South’s licence application in January 2017. She subsequently contacted the owner of the venue and the CEO of Vauxhall One Business Improvement District in May 2019 to discuss the proposed closure. Unfortunately, the owner is closing the venue for personal reasons. The Night Czar convenes a regular LGBT+ venues forum to share best practice, address common issues and build resilience. As part of the Cultural Infrastructure Plan the Culture Unit carries out an annual audit which shows that the number of LGBT+ venues in London stabilised in 2018.

Record of the Night Czar (2)

Caroline Pidgeon: Please set out the exact activities of your Night Czar to ensure that the changes to legislative framework relating to the Agent of Change principle are properly enforced across London.

The Mayor: My draft London Plan, includes a requirement for boroughs to introduce and apply the Agent of Change principle. The Agent of Change principle has also been included in the revised National Planning Policy Framework. Responsibility for ensuring that individual planning decisions are in accordance with the London Plan sits with boroughs and (if referable) with the Mayor.
The Night Czar is a key advocate for the Agent of Change principle and continues to raise awareness of the principle through her meetings with boroughs and developers, through her work with the Night Time Borough Champions Network and through speaking engagements and media activity.
The Night Czar continues to work with venues, the GLA planning team and borough planning officers on a number of cases and ensuring the Agent of Change principle is enforced when appropriate. For example, the grassroots music venue the George Tavern in Stepney has adopted the principle and provides a landmark case study for the Agent of Change.

Digital forensics for child protection

Caroline Pidgeon: Further to your statement at Mayor’s Question Time on the 16th May 2019 that some of the new money you have announced for the police this year [2019/20] will be used to address online child protection and the current limitations with digital forensics, please state the exact amount that will now be allocated to these activities in the current financial year.

The Mayor: Approximately £2.5m has been allocated to digital forensics, Online Child Sexual Abuse and Exploitation (OCSAE) and investigations into child crime. This allocation is subject to development of a business case and formal approval by the Deputy Mayor for Policing and Crime in line with MOPAC governance.

Use of anonymised mobile phone data

Caroline Pidgeon: Assistant Director's decision ADD2345 (30th May 2019) authorises expenditure of up to £45,000 on a month-long trial of anonymised mobile phone data to improve the GLA’s analytical outputs. The decision implies the data is sourced from a single mobile phone network. Given the disparity between the size of the four main mobile networks’ customer bases and any possible variances in their customers’ demographics, are you content that the data being purchased is sufficiently representative of London as a whole, and each borough, to properly underpin this work?

The Mayor: The anonymised data the GLA is purchasing for evaluation purposes comes from the one company. The issue of potential bias will be partly addressed through the calculation of an ‘expansion’ factor, following recommendations from the Department of Transport, to help overcome potential bias in this type of data.
The project aims to evaluate the value of these data in meeting a variety of different analytic requirements for different organisations within the GLA Group and London Boroughs. Part of this evaluation will be an assessment of data quality – including an equality assessment of which groups risk being under-represented or absent from the data to inform any further work.
The evaluation will assess the potential usefulness of working with data of this nature on a long-term basis, and if so, inform the development of a more refined specification for any future data purchase which would be on basis of a competitive tender. We do not anticipate these data being the sole evidence used in decisions given the exploratory nature of this work. We intend to publish a report of our evaluation towards the end of 2019.

Bus Collisions

Keith Prince: Presenting the data by year since 2015/16, please provide a breakdown of the number of traffic collisions involving London buses.

The Mayor: Since 2015/16, there have been 108,316 collisions reported to Transport for London (TfL) involving London Buses. A full breakdown is provided below.
This data is sourced from the bus operators and reported using TfL’s IRIS safety system. The data includes all reported collisions, including incidents which have not resulted in personal injury and incidents that may or may not have been reported to the police.
TfL is committed to improving bus safety across London and its Bus Safety Programme continuously drives major safety improvements across the network. This includes:
Financial Year
Collisions
2015/16
27,281
2016/17
28,132
2017/18
27,359
2018/19
25,544
Grand Total
108,316
Collision With
2015/16
2016/17
2017/18
2018/19
Grand Total
With a cyclist
258
308
252
281
1,099
With a motorbike
122
120
150
114
506
With a Person
582
574
498
433
2,087
With moving vehicle
15,792
15,690
14,697
13,841
60,020
With Stationary Vehicle
5,887
6,393
6,598
5,416
24,294
With an obstruction
252
226
247
122
847
With a bridge
5
5
8
3
21
Width/height restriction
26
32
54
32
144
With a tree
401
497
563
487
1,948
With Animal
23
23
30
37
113
With other structures
3,931
3,361
1,856
2,719
11,867
With Street Furniture
2
903
2,406
2,059
5,370
Grand Total
27,281
28,132
27,359
25,544
108,316

Tube Delays

Keith Prince: Presenting the data by year since 2015/16 and tube line, please provide a breakdown of the time lost to Underground delays and the total number of overall delays for each line.

The Mayor: Please see below the average delays to customers by line (minutes of Excess Journey Time) from 2015/16 to 2018/09. Excess journey time (EJT) is the difference expressed in minutes between actual passenger journey times and journey times implied by the published timetable.
Line
2015/16
2016/17
2017/18
2018/19
Bakerloo
3.68
3.58
3.42
3.34
Hammersmith & City
4.40
4.46
4.16
4.35
Central
3.00
3.02
2.70
2.79
District
2.07
2.19
1.80
2.03
Jubilee
3.12
2.72
2.53
2.65
Metropolitan
2.83
2.46
2.34
2.17
Northern
4.12
4.44
4.58
4.45
Piccadilly
4.19
4.33
4.45
4.33
Victoria
5.69
5.13
4.83
4.75
Waterloo & City
4.10
6.31
5.34
5.23
Network total
4.58
4.70
4.65
4.56
TfL continues to work hard to address the main issues contributing to delays, including customer incidents and the reliability of the train fleet and signalling systems. On the Hammersmith & City, District, Metropolitan and Circle lines TfL is replacing some of the oldest signalling equipment of any metro system in the word and introducing a new modern system. Certainty over Government funding would allow TfL to continue to modernise the Tube, for example with much-needed new signalling on the Piccadilly line.

Apprenticeships for trainee firefighters

Andrew Dismore: Please provide an update on the use of LFB’s apprenticeship levy payments for firefighter training.

The Mayor: Since the introduction of the levy in April 2017, London Fire Brigade (LFB) has played a key role in developing the new Level 3 Operational Firefighter apprenticeship standard with over 35 other FRSs and industry bodies. The LFB’s Operational Firefighter apprenticeship programme was introduced in November 2018 and all new firefighters complete the apprenticeship as part of their development.
LFB also played a key role in a successful challenge that doubled the maximum levy funding per firefighter, from £6k to £12k per firefighter. All levy funds will be spent, providing a £1.1m central budget saving (replacing levy expenditure), with the potential for further income through accessing co-investment funding from 2020/21, should firefighter recruitment remain at over 200 new recruits annually. The incremental costs to deliver the apprenticeship are approximately 50 per cent of the funding claimed per firefighter.

Gold card discounts

Caroline Pidgeon: Please state what are the reasons why owners of an annual TfL travelcard do not receive an automatic discount on TfL journeys outside the zone of their travelcard? Are any steps being taken to address this?

The Mayor: The majority of Annual Travelcards are sold online to customers who already hold an Oyster card and receive their Travelcard electronically when they touch that card on a reader. The Oyster system, which was designed over 20 years ago, does not have the functionality to allow a discount entitlement to also be loaded in this way, thus customers are required to ask a member of staff to set the Gold Card discount.
Once this discount is set, it is automatically applied to journeys made outside the zones the Travelcard is valid for.
Transport for London does recognise the case for improvement and will bear this in mind as it considers how to update the Oyster system.

Taxi and Private Hire Drivers and Mental Health Support (1)

David Kurten: What mental health & well-being training have taxi and private hire licensing, compliance and enforcement staff received from TfL?

The Mayor: Staff do not receive specific training, however, general guidance on recognising and procuring help for vulnerable people is provided to staff as part of wider safeguarding training.
First aid training is available to staff on a voluntary basis.

Taxi and Private Hire Drivers and Whistleblowing (2)

David Kurten: Does TfL have a whistleblowing policy for taxi & private hire drivers, if so, what is it?

The Mayor: Transport for London (TfL) does not have a specific whistleblowing policy for taxi and private hire drivers. For further guidance on whistleblowing, Please see my previous response to Mayor's Question2019/12065.

Record of the Night Czar (3)

Caroline Pidgeon: In answer to the Mayoral Question 2018/1451 you stated that ”My Night Czar, along with Night Time Commission members, also convene regular Night Time Economy Borough Champions Network meetings which share good practice and case studies to support boroughs to develop their night time policies. To date five Borough Champions meetings have been held.” Please provide an update as to how many Borough Champions meetings have now been held and where and on what dates.

The Mayor: There have been eight meetings of the Night Time Borough Champions to date, attended by both elected members and senior officers across London boroughs. There were two meetings in 2018 due to local elections. The meetings were held on the following dates and locations:

Taxi and Private Hire Drivers and Whistleblowing (1)

David Kurten: What whistleblowing protections have TfL in place for taxi & private hire drivers who blow the whistle on TfL or third-party wrongdoing?

The Mayor: Please see my responses to Mayor’s Question 2019/4169 & Mayor’s Question 2019/1285

Credit Union

Navin Shah: In response to my question (2019/6347):
What discussions TFL have had with the Metropolitan Police about advising their employees to join a credit union using payroll deduction services?


When will Transport for London offer payroll deduction services to join a credit union to its employees?


How many representations has the Mayor received about TFL allowing payroll deduction services from its employees to join a credit union?

The Mayor: There have not been any discussions between Transport for London and the Met Police on advising their employees to join a credit union.
TfL has confirmed that it will review its position on credit union provision via payroll deductions by mid-2020. This is to allow for an ongoing review of its administrative functions to promote greater efficiency and affordability.
Employees are already able to become a member of a credit union as an individual, or join via trade unions such as PCS, RMT, Unite and Unison. TfL provides financial wellbeing assistance directly for employees, including emergency loans, tenancy deposit loans and childcare deposit loans.

Transition from CAMHS to Adult Services

Jennette Arnold: What steps have you taken and are you encouraging partners to take to improve the experience of people moving from child to adult mental health services?

The Mayor: Moving from child to adult mental health services can be a very confusing and challenging time for young people. I am not responsible for the delivery or commissioning of mental health services, but I was pleased to see that as part of the Long Term Plan, the NHS is moving towards delivery of mental health services for young people aged 0-25. I hope this will improve the experience of those who currently transition between CAMHS and adult services at 18 years of age.
In my regular discussions with NHS leaders, I will continue to challenge the NHS to do more to support young people’s mental health. I am a partner of Thrive LDN, a citywide movement to improve the mental health and wellbeing of all Londoners, and I will continue to champion initiatives across London that focus on the wellbeing of young Londoners in particular. For example, theHealthy London Partnership is bringing together people from children and young people and adult mental health teams to confirm how they will support systems for transition in London.

Kerbside Waste Collection

Leonie Cooper: Your London Environment Strategy requires waste authorities to deliver all kerbside properties a separate weekly food waste collection by 2020, which I fully support. How are you enforcing this?

The Mayor: The deadline for boroughs to provide all kerbside properties with separated weekly food waste collection is the end of this year. Enforcement is not yet required and my officers are working with boroughs on this requirement.
Firstly, they are working with local authorities to develop new waste contract service specifications to ensure that these documents include provision for the collection of the six main dry materials and separate food waste to kerbside properties as a minimum before they go out to tender. This helps to ensure boroughs comply with my minimum level of household recycling service set out in Proposal 7.2.1.a in the London Environment Strategy. Since publishing this Strategy, we have reviewed and approved five borough recycling collection contracts to be in general conformity. We have been notified of a further two which my officers are now reviewing.
Secondly, under Proposal 7.2.1b of my Strategy, boroughs must produce a Reduction and Recycling Plan (RRP) by 2020 setting local targets and commitments to deliver my minimum level of recycling service that makes an effective contribution to my London wide reduction and recycling targets. My Officers are currently reviewing the first set of RRPs received from seven boroughs. All remaining RRPs are due for submission by December this year and are on track.
In each case, I will consider if enforcement is required at the appropriate time. Under the GLA Act 1999 I have the power to direct a waste authority if I consider it necessary to effectively implement the waste provisions in my Strategy. I consider my power of direction as an action of last resort. My aim is to work with London boroughs to implement my Strategy rather than consider punitive action.

LEAP

Leonie Cooper: Please provide an update from the LEAP board meeting on the lower than expected uptake of the Cleaner Heat Cashback scheme.

The Mayor: The Cleaner Heat Cashback saw lower than expected uptake and the officers acted to identify the causes of this and put in place corrective measures. This included expanding eligibility through the removal of the 70kW threshold making all boiler sizes eligible. However, uptake remained low and research with small and medium size enterprises, suggested that the main reasons for low uptake included: other priorities taking precedence over energy efficiency during times of economic uncertainty; ongoing lack of regulatory drivers to encourage decarbonisation such as minimum energy efficiency standards for non-domestic buildings; and limited organisational capacity.
These factors are outside of my control, so my officers acted quickly to reallocate funding to other air quality and environmental Good Growth Fund (GGF) projects and these proposals were presented and agreed at the LEAP board meeting on 12 June 2019. The Cleaner Heat Cashback scheme will continue with a reduced capital budget of £500,000, to meet existing commitments and enable further installations. Of the remaining capital: £2m will be allocated to a new round of the Business Low Emissions Neighbourhoods Air Quality Scheme; £4m to GGF air quality projects; and £2.95m going to GGF which already has an environmental focus.
LEAP Board were clear that achieving a zero carbon city was critical to London’s future, therefore it is important to pilot programmes and take associated risks, but essential to change course when it was clear targets would not be achieved, which had been done in this case. Members heard that there would likely be a future need for a similar GLA or LEAP-led programme focussing on gas boilers and that the learning from this programme had been helpful.

Waste Heat Recovery

Leonie Cooper: Thank you for your answer to question 2019/9172 on the DEEP programme. Please provide a list of the locations that have been identified as potential locations for waste heat recovery, and explain how they were chosen.

The Mayor: The initial 56 sites were chosen based upon technical constraints such as heat availability, current operations and asset condition. These sites are being further refined using the following criteria: volume and temperature of available heat; proximity to an existing/planned heat network and local heat demand; vent shaft accessibility/ease of scheme implementation; and estimated scheme cost.
Potential opportunities are primarily along the warmer deep Underground lines that fall within the following London boroughs: Camden; City of London; Haringey; Islington; Kensington and Chelsea; Lambeth; Southwark; Tower Hamlets; Wandsworth; and Westminster. The project will ultimately identify the top five sites to take forward and a feasibility study will be produced for each by the end of 2019.

Conflict of Interest Concerns

Caroline Pidgeon: In your response to 2019/6073you mentioned that a former TfL board member raised a question of conflict of interest to the Transport Commissioner with the Chair of the Audit and Assurance Committee copied in. What was the outcome of any investigation carried out by the TfL Commissioner and the Chair of the Audit and Assurance Committee relating to the board member’s conflict of interest question?

The Mayor: An issue was raised with the Transport Commissioner, with the Chair of the Audit and Assurance Committee copied in. As explained in my previous response, the Commissioner’s response set out the reasons why he did not agree that there had been any conflict of interest.

Single use Plastics

Leonie Cooper: The Government recently announced a ban of some single use plastics. How are you taking forward your progress in London, such as on plastic bottles?

The Mayor: I want to see London become the greenest city in the world. Reducing single-use packaging is a priority for me and my London Environment Strategy has set out measures to significantly cut London’s waste and work towards achieving 65 per cent municipal waste recycling by 2030.
I am focussing on cutting single use plastic bottles in London, particularly when people are on-the-go and there are less recycling facilities. I supported the launch of Refill London last year, and there are now 2,400 shops, businesses and organisations that are offering free water refills to the public. This includes larges chains and iconic London venues, such as, Leon, Costa, National Theatre and Tate Modern. I also promoted National Refill Day on 19th June which had activities and promotions across the capital encouraging more people to refill a bottle instead of buying single-use plastic water bottles.
I also worked with the Zoological Society of London to install 20 drinking water fountains across London as an initial pilot in 2018. The results from this pilot are already very encouraging. In the first twelve months, these fountains have dispensed the equivalent of 155,000 half litre plastic water bottles. This demonstrates the demand for water fountains and their potential in reducing single-use plastic bottles and their impact on our land, rivers and marine environments. I have also announced a partnership with Thames Water to install more than 100 additional drinking fountains across London over the next two years.

Taxi and Private Hire Drivers and Mental Health Support (4)

David Kurten: Mental Health Support: Can the Mayor please provide me with a detailed list of the workplace benefits and mental health support that TfL taxi & private hire staffers are entitled to?

The Mayor: Transport for London (TfL) does not have specific benefits for employees in the Taxi and Private Hire department.
TfL employees can access support that is available to the entire organisation and training is available to staff, on a voluntary basis, if they want to be a Mental Health Champion.
The Occupational Health team supports TfL employees with health-related issues and managers can refer staff to the Medical Advisory Service.
TfL also offers a corporate voluntary Private Medical Benefit (PMB) scheme for eligible grades alongside other internal schemes to help facilitate recovery should an employee become ill.

Step free access lift at Mill Hill East

Andrew Dismore: I was pleased to see the progress of the works onthe step free access lift at Mill Hill East tube. However, there are no signs to tell the public what is going on. Wouldn’t it be a good idea to put signs up so tube users know that step free is on the way?

The Mayor: Transport for London (TfL) is producing posters to be displayed at Mill Hill East Tube station to inform customers about the step-free access improvements.
The posters will be displayed early next month; until they arrive TfL has erected a whiteboard poster at the station to inform customers the station will be step-free in early 2020. These should have been up earlier, and I have asked TfL to ensure this does not happen again.

Live Facial Recognition (3)

Caroline Pidgeon: How were the piloted Live Facial Recognition (LFR) deployment sites in London selected?

The Mayor: The MPS has piloted Live Facial Recognition in different environments to check its capability and learn from the findings. With the last four deployments – the MPS concentrated on areas of ‘high violence’ and its watch listswere made upof those wanted for violent offences. Detective Chief Superintendent Ivan Balhatchet has authorised all deployments since the beginning of 2018.

Use of algorithms by the Metropolitan Police Service (1)

Caroline Pidgeon: Do you agree with the concerns of the Law Society in their report ‘Algorithms in the Criminal Justice System’ published in June 2019 that there are insufficient rules imposed on the growing use of algorithms by UK police forces to safeguard the rights and freedoms of individuals? If so what are you doing to address this with the Met Police?

The Mayor: I support the need for effective regulation to ensure that there is proper oversight of algorithms used in the criminal justice system.
I continue to support the Metropolitan Police to ensure that they have access to tools they need to police London effectively. The Met is committed to utilising and deploying all appropriate technology, techniques and tactics to support its mission to police London safely. I am confident that they take very seriously the legal, ethical and proportionate use of any new capability.
I am pleased that the London Policing Ethics Panel, in considering the Met’s use of Live Facial Recognition, have proposed sensible conditions for further deployment which I believe could apply across a range of future predictive technologies. MOPAC will continue to work closely with the Met and ensure the panel’s recommendations are addressed before further deployment.
The panel also made a recommendation for the need to simplify and strengthen the regulation of new identification technologies. It is the role of Central Government to ensure that the required legislative frameworks are in place. I will continue press Government to ensure that the rights of the public are protected as new technology develops.

Waste Collection

Leonie Cooper: Will Barnet be re-instating their separate food waste collections soon?

The Mayor: I agreed with Barnet council at the end of 2018 that the authority, with the support of Resource London, and with the active participation of the Greater London Authority would undertake an in-depth modelling exercise of its waste and recycling services whilst the food waste collections were temporarily suspended. The purpose of this modelling exercise was to place the provision of separate weekly food waste collections into a broader range of options and supporting analysis, that was absent from its original decision to withdraw the service. This modelling was completed at the end of April.
The final decision on when the food waste service will be reintroduced will have to wait until the production and committee sign off of Barnet’s Reduction and Recycling Plan (RRP) which will be utilising the outputs of the modelling exercise.